Mikaela Shiffrin traded race courses for Wall Street on Thursday, April 2, ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) — less than 72 hours after returning from Europe. Ringing the closing bell — or opening the NYSE — is an honor typically bestowed on executives of listed companies celebrating IPOs, milestones, or listing anniversaries.
The appearance by Shiffrin at the NYSE was a rare crossover between the ski world and global finance; however, with Stifel Financial Corp. being a sponsor of the U.S. Ski Team, it’s a crossover we may see more often. Before ringing the closing bell — signaling the end of trading at 4 p.m., a tradition dating back to 1903 — Shiffrin gave an interview to CNBC’s Closing Bell.
Speaking on Closing Bell with CNBC, Shiffrin reflected on her career, recent achievements, and what comes next. Scott Wappner, host of the Closing Bell, asked Shiffrin what she made of the term, the GOAT. Shiffrin chuckled, “The ‘GOAT’ term always makes me laugh — it makes me think of an actual screaming goat,” she said, downplaying the label often attached to her as the most decorated alpine skier in history. “It’s been such a gift in my life to be able to ski and to do sports… I feel really appreciative.”
Wappner also reflected on her Olympic victory in Cortina in February, which brought Shiffrin full circle, 12 years after her first gold in Sochi. Could she have foreseen such a successful and long-spanning career, Wappner quizzed the 31-year-old. “I couldn’t imagine anything that was about to happen in my life in Sochi or even after,” Shiffrin admitted. “I was naïve to the magnitude of what that event can do in an athlete’s career.” 12 years later, with multiple Olympic medals and a record-breaking number of World Cup victories to her name, Shiffrin described her journey as “a special ride” — one that is far from over. “I’m not finished… I’m not retiring yet,” she said, putting to rest any speculation about stepping away from the sport.
While skiing remains her top priority, Shiffrin acknowledged she is branching out beyond racing. She recently launched a podcast, What’s the Point, with the help of sponsor Stifel, and continues to expand her involvement in partnerships and philanthropic efforts, including work with the Share Winter Foundation, which focuses on increasing access to skiing and snowboarding for underserved youth. “It’s been really fun to explore these other things,” she said. “But skiing is still 100% my focus.”
Shiffrin also expressed optimism about the future of U.S. ski racing, pointing to the growing depth of the women’s team. She highlighted recent successes, including a Nations Cup victory and standout performances in giant slalom, as signs of a strong next generation. “We have the best women’s team we’ve ever had,” she said. “There’s a lot possible.”
From the slopes of the World Cup circuit to the floor of the NYSE, Shiffrin’s appearance on Wall Street shows the legendary skier can shine on and off the slopes. And if her comments are any indication, she’s not done adding to her legacy just yet.
