CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Mikaela Shiffrin is once again skiing in Colorado, having returned to the slopes after her recovery from an unusual injury. However, her exact timeline for returning to competitive racing remains uncertain, according to U.S. Ski Team head coach Paul Kristofic, who remarks that it may take an additional week to ten days to gain clarity on her status.
Shiffrin suffered a crash on November 30 while striving for her landmark 100th World Cup victory during a giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont. During the incident, she experienced a puncture wound to her side after coming into contact with an object while sliding down the slope. Following the crash, she underwent abdominal surgery to address the injury a couple of weeks later.
On social media, Shiffrin has expressed her excitement about returning to skiing approximately one week ago. “Things are moving along,” Kristofic mentioned during the World Cup events in Cortina. “It’s an injury that’s quite unique and hasn’t been commonly faced by many athletes. Consequently, managing her physical readiness throughout the healing phase has been complex, taking into account the special circumstances of her injury.”
Shiffrin’s support team, directed by her personal coach Karin Harjo, is currently alongside her in Colorado, which also includes physical therapist Regan Dewhirst. Kristofic emphasized the importance of Dewhirst’s role in Shiffrin’s recovery, noting, “She has been working daily with Regan since the injury occurred. Regan has been with her every single day.”
This marks the second consecutive season that Shiffrin has faced significant setbacks, recalling last year’s high-speed crash into safety netting during a downhill race in Cortina that resulted in a sprained MCL and tibiofibular ligaments in her left knee. Following that incident, she returned to competition after a break of 1.5 months with participation in two events at the end of the previous season.
Concerning her potential return, Kristofic commented, “It’s uncertain how quickly she can recapture the intensity necessary for World Cup competition. This remains to be determined. However, rest assured that the team will do everything feasible to prepare her appropriately in a timeframe that’s sensible.”
At present, no specific date has been set for Shiffrin’s reentry into the European racing circuit. “It’s an ever-changing situation,” Kristofic explained. “The goal is to prepare for future races while ensuring that every step is taken precisely and without trying to rush the process, ultimately building her confidence to start racing.”
The upcoming world championships are just weeks away, taking place in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, with the women’s giant slalom and slalom scheduled for February 13 and 15.
With this timeframe in mind, questions arise about Shiffrin’s ability to participate in Saalbach. Kristofic remarked, “It’s currently too early to determine, as she has just begun skiing again. We should have a clearer picture in about a week to ten days based on her progress.”
Moreover, Shiffrin is also likely to have her sights set on competing on home turf at the World Cup finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, scheduled for the end of March.
