Karin Harjo: Breaking Barriers and Setting Courses for a New Era in Ski Racing
Mikaela Shiffrin’s dominance in the world of alpine skiing is a well-known narrative. However, the story unfolding alongside Shiffrin’s record-breaking achievements is equally compelling: the rise of Karin Harjo, Shiffrin’s personal head coach, who is actively reshaping the landscape of ski racing from the sidelines. Harjo is not simply guiding Shiffrin to victory; she is breaking down gender barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive future in a sport historically dominated by men.
The significance of Harjo’s role reached a new peak recently when she became the first woman to set a giant slalom course on the World Cup circuit. This historic moment occurred during the first run of the giant slalom in Are, Sweden. This milestone follows Harjo’s earlier achievement of being the first woman to set a World Cup slalom course in 2016, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the sport.
Harjo, however, views these milestones with a balanced perspective. While acknowledging the importance of celebrating such achievements, she emphasizes the ultimate goal of normalization. "Milestones like these are something to highlight and celebrate," she stated. "But progress is when it’s just another day and we’re all doing our jobs and it doesn’t matter what gender someone is." Her vision is a future where a woman’s presence in coaching and course setting is unremarkable, a testament to equal opportunity and talent recognition.
The responsibility of setting a course in ski racing is not merely a logistical task; it carries substantial strategic weight. The course setter determines the profile of the race, dictating the placement and spacing of the gates, and influencing the overall flow and difficulty of the run. This influence can be a decisive advantage for an athlete, as the coach can tailor the course to accentuate their strengths and exploit their competitors’ weaknesses. In a sport where victories are often measured in fractions of a second, the nuances of course design can be the difference between standing on the podium and missing the cut.
"You’re always thinking what types of things (your athlete) likes to see," Harjo explained. "That can highlight Mikaela’s strengths over others." Her intimate knowledge of Shiffrin’s technique, gleaned from daily training sessions, allows her to incorporate elements into the course design that favor Shiffrin’s skiing style. For example, if an athlete excels at gliding, the course setter can increase the spacing between gates, allowing them to capitalize on their speed. Conversely, if an athlete possesses exceptional technical precision, a course with tighter, more frequent turns would be advantageous.
The privilege of setting courses is strategically distributed among national teams based on their performance in the previous season. This allocation ensures a level playing field and prevents any single team from dominating the course design process. The United States team earned the right to set three slalom courses and two giant slalom courses this season. Initially, Harjo was slated to set a slalom course, but scheduling conflicts arose due to Shiffrin’s unfortunate injury during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont.
In a twist of fate, Harjo’s giant slalom course setting coincided with International Women’s Day, amplifying the significance of the moment. Harjo recognizes the power of awareness in driving change. "Awareness is change," she stated. "Having an amazing celebration like that in the calendar year is incredible in itself. If timed with other moments like this, that awareness is something that can inspire and also help to create opportunities for other people that are looking to pursue coaching. Or pursue anything."
Despite gradual progress, the coaching ranks in elite sports remain predominantly male. Harjo acknowledges the cultural factors and the demanding lifestyle of ski racing as potential contributors to this disparity. The constant travel and relocation required by the sport can present challenges, particularly for women who aspire to build families.
"I wouldn’t call it a barrier," Harjo clarifies. "But it’s something that, right now, it’s not conducive."
However, she draws inspiration from other sports where women are making significant strides. She cites the example of Emma Hayes, the head coach of the U.S. women’s national soccer team and a single mother, as a symbol of progress and possibility. "That’s something I look at it and say, That’s really cool," Harjo remarks. She understands that progress requires pioneers, individuals who break new ground and serve as role models for future generations.
Harjo’s journey to becoming Shiffrin’s head coach involved years of dedication and experience. She previously served as an assistant coach for the U.S. team. When Shiffrin chose Harjo as her head coach, poaching her from Canada where she held a similar position, it was a strategic decision driven by Harjo’s exceptional skills and a desire to elevate the visibility of women in the sport. Shiffrin recognizes that her platform can be used to amplify important messages and promote inclusivity.
Working alongside Shiffrin, a global icon in ski racing with a record-breaking number of World Cup victories, inevitably brings added attention. Harjo acknowledges the unspoken questions that may arise when a woman occupies a leadership position in a male-dominated field. "Sometimes there’s this unspoken question. Not something bad, but people will go, Can she do it? It’s not about gender necessarily. But it does answer that question, yes, we can do it," Harjo explains.
Her success serves as a powerful affirmation of women’s capabilities and dispels any lingering doubts about their ability to excel in coaching roles. "Then it becomes a norm," she emphasizes. "Then you have other women coming in to lead teams, whether it’s for a discipline or a country. And that change becomes the norm."
Harjo is already witnessing positive shifts within the sport. Since her groundbreaking course setting in 2016, two other women have followed suit and set slalom courses. The number of women coaches on the World Cup circuit is also gradually increasing, indicating a slow but steady trend toward greater gender balance.
As Harjo’s name is announced during the broadcast of the giant slalom race, and commentators highlight her role as the course setter, the significance of the moment will resonate with viewers worldwide. While many may not fully grasp the historical implications, others will recognize the significance of Harjo’s achievement. It is Harjo’s hope that her actions will inspire young girls and women to pursue their dreams, regardless of perceived limitations.
"It just creates that change. That’s what it’s all about," Harjo concludes. "And, hopefully, inspires somebody to want to do the same." Her legacy extends beyond the slopes, inspiring a new generation of athletes and coaches to challenge conventions and strive for a more equitable future in ski racing and beyond.
