Mikaela Shiffrin parts ways with longtime coach at World Championships

In a surprising turn of events, Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin has parted ways with her longtime head coach Mike Day. Even more surprisingly, the moment came during the FIS Alpine Skiing World Championships in France.

“After working with Mike Day for seven seasons, I have decided to move forward with new leadership on my team for the next phase of my career,” Shiffrin said in a statement.

Although Shiffrin’s decision was to end the partnership at the end of the season, Day decided to leave France immediately.

Day spoke to Olympics.com in Méribel, France, and said he and Shiffrin didn’t always agree on everything, but seemed surprised by the sudden ousting.

“I think disagreements are part of any long-term relationship between a coach and an athlete,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a regular thing, but I think it’s the only way to grow.”

He added: “I think if we constantly agreed on everything in our team, then, you know, I don’t think we would improve.”

Shiffrin managed to eliminate all distractions and won her 13th World Championships medal by winning gold in the giant slalom, her first world title in the event. She became the fourth skier to win world titles in four different disciplines. The American has four gold medals in slalom, one in super-G and one in combined.

Although Day had probably already gone home when she crossed the finish line, Shiffrin didn’t let her absence go unnoticed.

“One thing I really want to say is just ‘thank you’ to Mike for seven years. He’s been such an integral part of my team and he’s been there to support me through some of the most incredible moments of my career and some hardest times in my career and also in my life,” she said, trying to hold back tears.

Shiffrin has yet to name a new coach according to his publicist. Her assistant coach Mark Mitter, U.S. Ski Team women’s head coach Paul Kristofic and others will fill the void for the remainder of the season.