Barilla teams up with U.S. Ski Team's Mikaela Shiffrin

BANNOCKBURN, Ill. — Italian food company Barilla has partnered with the U.S. Ski Team's Mikaela Shiffrin, who will don the Barilla logo on her helmet.



The 17-year-old recently secured third place at the slalom in Levi, Finland, and is considered a serious contender for the World Cup Nov. 24, in Aspen, Colo., as well as the 2014 Olympic games to be held in Sochi, Russia.



"We are excited to be working with such an incredibly talented athlete," said Giannella Alvarez, Barilla Americas Group president. "Mikaela is an inspiration to all of us, and we hope our partnership will inspire others to lead healthier, more active lifestyles, whether that's skiing down mountains or jogging around the neighborhood or eating wholesome foods."



Part of the young athlete’s diet consists of complex carbohydrates and high-protein foods. Shiffrin eats Barilla Whole Grain Plus and other such varieties to fulfill her nutritional needs for training.



"I am very excited to be working with a family-owned company like Barilla," says Mikaela Shiffrin. "In my opinion eating some complex carbohydrates before a workout can really enhance my muscle performance and endurance when I'm training, and give my brain the fuel it needs to keep plugging away at schoolwork."



Shiffrin is also keeping a Tumblr Travel Log at www.Barilla.com/mikaelashiffrin.