" When I get back on snow, it’s almost like I travel back in time to that feeling I used to have. That youthful, 6-year-old, ‘nothing else matters,’ ‘you’re sort of the center of the universe’ kind of a feeling. "
- Mikaela Shiffrin

In the quote provided, Mikaela Shiffrin reflects on her experiences when skiing or snowboarding. She describes a sense of nostalgia and rejuvenation that she feels upon returning to the slopes after some time away. This feeling transports her back to her younger years, specifically at age six, where she felt an overwhelming joy and significance in being amidst nature and engaging in this activity.

Beyond its surface meaning, Shiffrin's words encapsulate a broader theme of how sports or hobbies can serve as portals to past emotional states. She captures the essence of youth, where activities often feel central to one’s identity and happiness. This sentiment speaks to the universal human experience of cherishing moments from childhood that bring immense joy and a sense of self-importance. By recalling these feelings, Shiffrin highlights how reconnecting with such cherished pastimes can reignite those powerful emotions and foster a renewed appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

Mikaela Shiffrin is an accomplished American alpine ski racer born on June 13, 1995. She has won numerous World Cup races across various disciplines of skiing and holds multiple Olympic medals, including gold in the women’s giant slalom event at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Her achievements make her one of the most successful and respected figures in contemporary alpine skiing.