Mikaela Shiffrin splits with longtime coach at worlds

American skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin had an unexpected parting with her longtime coach, Mike Day, during the middle of the world championships after informing him that she planned to take a new direction with her staff at the end of the season.

"Mikaela wants to do something different going forward. She wants a new challenge. And she informed Mike and Mike decided to go home," U.S. Alpine director Patrick Riml told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "It's a shock for me that he took off."

Day was with Shiffrin when she won the silver medal in super-G last week and then accompanied the skier for a few days of off-site training in Orcieres before returning to Meribel with her this week.

"He left yesterday," Riml said. "He's on the plane probably now."

Shiffrin was due to race again in her favoured events of giant slalom on Thursday and slalom on Saturday.

"After working with Mike Day for seven seasons, I've decided to move forward with new leadership on my team for the next phase of my career," Shiffrin said in a statement released by the U.S. ski team. "I want to thank Mike and acknowledge all of his work and dedication over the last several years."

Day led Shiffrin's individual team within the U.S. squad. Shiffrin's team is also led by her mother, Eileen, who has coached the skier her entire life.

Shiffrin's personal team also includes new assistant coach Mark Mitter, who remains with her, Riml said.

Paul Kristofic is the head coach of the overall U.S. women's team.

"We've got plenty of people here to support Mikaela and provide the training and the information she needs on race day to do her job," Riml said. "She's got great support. ... We'll decide together what makes the most sense moving forward."

Day did not