Mikaela Shiffrin’s New Coach in Town: Karin Harjo

Who is Mikaela Shiffrin?

Mikaela Shiffrin is an American alpine ski racer who has achieved legendary status in the sport. She is a successful ski racer, having won an incredible 88 World Cup races, surpassing the previous record of 86 held by Ingemar Stenmark.

Shiffrin has won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, including two Olympic gold medals (2014 Slalom, 2018 Giant Slalom) and seven World Championship titles.

At just 28 years old, Shiffrin has already established herself as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time, with her dominance spanning across multiple disciplines, including slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and downhill events.

Who is Karin Harjo?

Karin Harjo is the newly appointed personal head coach of Mikaela Shiffrin. Harjo, a 46-year-old Norwegian-American, has the sort of diverse background that has shaped her coaching philosophy and approach.

Born to Norwegian missionary parents in Japan, Harjo spent her early years in Japan before moving to the United States.

Her multicultural upbringing, which included stints in Norway and exposure to Norwegian, Japanese, and American cultures, has allowed her to adapt and connect with athletes from various backgrounds.

Harjo's coaching career spans over two decades, during which she has worked at various levels, from coaching young skiers at ski clubs to serving as an assistant coach for the U.S. Ski Team at the World Cup level.

Most recently, she spent a successful season as the head coach of the Canadian women's alpine ski team, where she guided the team to several podium finishes, including Laurence St-Germain's World Championship slalom title.

Coaching Philosophy and Approach

Karin Harjo is known for her athlete-centered coaching approach, where she focuses on understanding each athlete's individual needs and learning styles. She believes in fostering a collaborative partnership with her athletes, empowering them to take responsibility and make informed decisions.

Harjo employs a technique called "reflective inquiry," where she asks thought-provoking questions to encourage her athletes to think critically and develop a deeper understanding of their own strengths and areas for improvement. This approach not only builds confidence but also promotes ownership and accountability among the athletes.

Communication is a cornerstone of Harjo's coaching philosophy. She emphasizes the power of words and the impact they can have on an athlete's mindset and performance. Her respectful and empowering communication style has earned her the trust and respect of both male and female athletes she has coached.

Breaking Stereotypes: Achieving Milestones

Karin Harjo's appointment as Mikaela Shiffrin's personal head coach is a significant milestone in alpine skiing coaching. She is one of the few women to hold such a high-profile coaching position in a sport traditionally dominated by male coaches.

Throughout her career, Harjo has broken several barriers, becoming the first female head coach at various levels, including the Nor-Am/Europa Cup level for the U.S. Ski Team Western Region, the first woman to set a World Cup slalom course, and the first female coach for the U.S. Alpine Olympic Team in PyeongChang 2018.

Her latest role as the head coach of the Canadian women's alpine ski team made her only the second female head coach in the 55-year history of the alpine skiing World Cup tour, following in the footsteps of Marie-Theres Nadig of Switzerland.

Dealing with Self-Doubt

Despite her impressive achievements, Harjo has faced her share of self-doubt and adversity throughout her career. She acknowledges that the greatest limitations she faced were often self-imposed, and she credits her former college basketball coach, Anne Williams, for instilling in her the belief that she could push beyond her perceived limits.

Harjo emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with failure and not letting fear hold her back. She encourages a mindset of learning and growth, embracing the idea of "I don't know the answer, but I will find out."

Her ability to deal with adversity and overcome self-doubt has been a key factor in her success. Harjo believes in focusing on what can be done, rather than dwelling on limitations or discrimination. She chooses to lead by example and "be the change" rather than trying to change others' mindsets.

Other Interests: Winemaking

In addition to her coaching career, Karin Harjo has a unique passion for winemaking. In 2018, she earned a certificate in winemaking from the University of California, Davis, driven by her curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

Harjo finds parallels between winemaking and coaching, as both require nurturing and caring for the potential of the subject, whether it's a grape or an athlete. Her love for the art and science of winemaking has not only enriched her personal life but has also provided her with valuable insights that she applies to her coaching.

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