Mikaela Shiffrin gave Team USA another moment to celebrate at the Winter Olympics this week, and pop superstar Taylor Swift couldn’t help but join in.
The American skiing legend finally claimed gold in the women’s slalom on Wednesday, ending a medal drought that had left fans, and Shiffrin herself, eager for a top podium finish.
The victory was particularly meaningful for the 30-year-old athlete. Earlier in the Games, Shiffrin had struggled to find her rhythm, finishing 11th in the giant slalom and narrowly missing a medal with a fourth-place finish in the team event.
For someone widely regarded as the greatest Alpine skier of all time, these results were unexpected. Her last Olympic medals came at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, where she earned a gold and a silver, making the wait for another top finish especially challenging.
To celebrate her return to the top, Shiffrin posted a striking photo of herself skiing, paired with a caption quoting a line from Taylor Swift’s music: “My advice is always ruin the friendship.”
Swift quickly noticed the reference and responded with a single word that perfectly captured the moment: “HISTORIC”, along with three gold medal emojis. Fans of both the singer and the skier quickly flooded social media with excitement over the interaction.
Shiffrin has long been open about her admiration for Swift. The skier attended one of Swift’s Eras Tour shows in Denver in July 2023, alongside several teammates who reportedly rented a suite and sang along with abandon. Beyond the concerts, Shiffrin has also credited Swift‘s career and life lessons as a source of inspiration.
“I’ve spent 15 years studying Taylor Swift,” Shiffrin once said. She explained that Swift‘s experiences with fame and her storytelling style feel deeply personal, offering guidance that extends even into the pressures of elite competition.
Swifties and Olympic fans react
Swift wasn’t the only high-profile figure to celebrate Shiffrin‘s gold medal. Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles commented enthusiastically, calling Shiffrin “GOATED” and expressing excitement for her achievement. Tennis star Coco Gauff also joined in, dubbing Shiffrin the “goat,” a term often used to signify the greatest of all time.
Not all fans immediately understood Shiffrin‘s musical nod, however. One commenter admitted confusion, writing: “Absolutely amazing shot but don’t get the reference.”
Nevertheless, the combination of Olympic triumph and pop culture connection captured the attention of many.
With her victory and the supportive cheer from Swift and other celebrities, Shiffrin has once again solidified her status not only as a dominant force in skiing but also as a beloved figure in American sports culture.
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