KILLINGTON, Vt. — Mikaela Shiffrin sustained a significant puncture wound to the right side of her abdomen and experienced “severe muscle trauma” following a frightening fall during a giant slalom race on Saturday. Fortunately, no serious injuries occurred to her bones, ligaments, or internal organs.
The reigning five-time overall World Cup champion was unable to participate in the slalom event at the Killington Cup on Sunday. The U.S. Ski Team released a statement indicating that there is currently no set schedule for her return to competitive skiing. The slalom race was ultimately won by Swiss skier Camille Rast, marking her first-ever victory in the World Cup circuit.
On Saturday, Shiffrin was in the lead after her first run in the giant slalom, aiming for her 100th World Cup win. As she neared the finish during her second run, the 29-year-old skier lost her edge while leaning into the hill, which caused her to collide with a gate, flipping over her skis. She then struck a second gate before coming to rest against the protective barrier.
Following the crash, Shiffrin remained down on the course for an extended period. As she was in a state of shock and unable to move, she requested a sled for transportation, fearing internal injuries.
After being taken to a medical facility via ambulance, medical professionals concluded that there were no ligament injuries and that her bones and internal organs appeared to be in good condition. Nevertheless, the team reported that she endured severe muscle trauma as well as the deep abdominal puncture. Shiffrin noted that stitches were not an option due to the risk of infection from the deep wound.
Throughout her 14-year career, Shiffrin has successfully recovered from two notable injuries on the slopes: a torn medial collateral ligament and bone bruising in her right knee back in December 2015, along with a sprained MCL and tibiofibular ligament in her left knee after an accident in January 2024. Each of these injuries did not necessitate surgical intervention, and both times, she returned to racing within two months.
Feeling the aftereffects of her crash, Shiffrin was unable to attend the slalom event on Sunday, a race where she has typically excelled, having won six out of seven previous competitions at Killington. Known as a local favorite, Shiffrin’s roots in New Hampshire and Colorado, along with her training at the nearby Burke Mountain Academy, have endeared her to both fans and competitors alike.
“The situation limits her mobility, so she can’t make it to the venue, despite her eagerness to support her teammates in person,” the team’s statement confirmed. “However, she will be cheering enthusiastically from her location in Killington.”
