Mikaela Shiffrin shares how a Barilla pasta meal is her ticket to togetherness, interview
Since the beginning of her career, Mikaela Shiffrin and Barilla have been partners. While Shiffrin has been prolific in her skiing career, she appreciates that her success is fueled by a support team, which includes Barilla. During a recent conversation with Shiffrin, she shared some flavorful insight into how that classic pasta meal is her ticket to togetherness.
Pasta is a food that crosses cultures. From the simple olive oil and spices found in some parts of Italy to Asian inspired Pad Thai, spaghetti, noodles, and other pasta shapes are the foundation for a myriad of recipes.
That commonality is an example of food bringing togetherness. No matter where in the world or how far apart, people can find connections around the table, over a plate of food.
Mikaela Shiffrin is helping Barilla with its ticket to togetherness concept. Given her busy competition and training schedule, some meals are more than just food as fuel for her sport. It is also sustenance that revitalizes her spirit.
During a recent interview with Shiffrin, she shared some thoughts on the current Barilla campaign, her love of pasta, and why she focuses on taking advantage of the moment.
As Shiffrin explained, her 13 year partnership with Barilla has been a blend of physical, mental, and emotional well-being support. She appreciates this “ticket to togetherness” since is emphasizes values that are important to her. “Sharing meaningful moments with the people you love” is something she holds dear.
Shiffrin admitted, “I do struggle when I’m traveling.” From her fiancé’s family in Norway to her family in Colorado, racking up the miles can be tiresome. But, the promise of spending time and enjoying a meal with someone you love is worth the effort.
One way that she tries to foster connection while apart is through technology. Shiffrin said, “the technology we have available, whether it is calls, texts, or even the Instagram meme, are those little serotonin boosts. Those little things can go a long way to bridge the gap between those in-person meals.”
For Shiffrin, a pasta meal has become part of her routine. She explained, “for me, pasta is a very sentimental thing. Not only is it my pre-race and post-race meal that refuels my body, it takes me back to my childhood. Pasta was always an exciting meal to have with family and friends.”
“Barilla as a brand emphasized the sharing moments with people you love and the importance of bringing people together. I’m not sure if it’s the same for everyone, but that togetherness feeling is there for me.”
Pasta can be simple or it can be the foundation for a robust dish. Shiffrin said that her first pasta meal that she mastered was pasta and eggs. She appreciates experimenting with different recipes. Although she admitted that she has more to learn as a chef, she enjoys the process and fun of cooking.
Given her vast traveling, Shiffrin appreciates that she can find a great pasta meal around the world. While her food preferences are simple, like a simple oil olive, classic tomato sauce, or some cheese and garlic, she knows that wherever she can find access to boiling water, pasta can be made.
Although some people can be concerned about spilling that beautiful tomato sauce, Shiffrin says grab a napkin and tuck it in your shirt. Or, just go all in and let the spills fall where they may. As a spiller, herself, that dribble can be a sign of great meal.
While we could have chatted longer about her favorite food, Shiffrin is heading into another ski season. Given her successes over the years, her accolades have made her an icon in her sport. Still, she is still looking ahead at what is on the horizon.
Shiffrin explained, “goals have been interesting in the last few years. I started out my career being very goal oriented. But, I try to be very careful about this topic. For young athletes, I think that it is really important to learn the value of goal setting.”
“I was very strong in goal setting at the very beginning of my career. I have accomplished a lot of things that I set out to accomplish. Right now. My biggest goal in ski racing is to stay the course. There is an unique opportunity to earn 100 World Cup wins. That is not something that I have wanted personally emphasize, nor do I want the pressure. But, I do believe that it is an incredible opportunity to bolster the sport of ski racing and share more stories about the sport.”
While her achievements are many, Shiffrin appreciates that she can and does influence younger women who are considering pursuing athletic greatness. As many people can understand, success is more than pure athletic talent. The mental and emotional fortitude needs to be just as strong.
Shiffrin said, “I think that women need to take time to learn about yourself and how you relate to whatever you are passionate about. Whether it is how to pursue other interests or be an athlete and be feminine. I have learned that I’m the greatest expert on myself.”
“I think that it is important for everyone to remind themselves that you are your greatest expert. Work hard on learning to listen to that voice. Try not to get lost in the confusion. Listen to your passion and do something that you’re interested in.”
When all the worlds align, the journey down the mountain can be exhilarating. More importantly, finding that path which leads back to family, friends, and other special people is the journey always worth taking. Barilla has a ticket to togetherness waiting. Ready to book it?