SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM, Austria — Mikaela Shiffrin has disclosed that she is grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder after a severe fall in November, which has led to her decision to forgo competing in the giant slalom event at the Alpine skiing world championships.
The seasoned American skier, who has amassed an impressive 99 World Cup victories, sustained a deep puncture wound during a giant slalom race on November 30 in Killington, Vermont. This injury was serious enough to cause significant trauma to her oblique muscles, putting her health at risk. Shiffrin shared her struggles in an audio message, stating, “I’m mentally blocked in being able to get to the next level of pace and speed and putting power into the turns. And that kind of mental, psychological like PTSD-esque struggle is more than I anticipated.”
Upon arriving in Europe, she had hoped that rigorous training would help her regain confidence and diminish her fear. “I figured that once we touched ground in Europe and had the chance for some repetitive training days, I would be able to improve step by step,” she noted, expressing disappointment in the process. The severity of her injury came dangerously close to causing more critical damage, as it was just millimeters away from a potentially catastrophic outcome involving her abdominal wall and colon.
Additionally, Shiffrin experienced another high-speed crash last season in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, which sidelined her for six weeks. Her representative revealed that she has been discussing her mental wellbeing with a psychologist. On social media, Shiffrin candidly mentioned, “Honestly, I really didn’t anticipate experiencing so much of this kind of mental/PTSD struggle in GS from my injury.”
Shiffrin had previously claimed gold in giant slalom at the last world championship held in France two years ago. With the women’s giant slalom scheduled for Thursday, she expressed the emotional toll of not being able to defend her title, calling it “soul crushing.” Reflecting on her peak performance, she added, “Two years ago, I was at my top level I’ve ever skied in GS. It was the most fun I ever had skiing GS. To be here now and not even be able to start is pretty heartbreaking.”
Recently, Shiffrin returned to competition, finishing 10th in a slalom in Courchevel, France, and she still plans to participate in the slalom event on Saturday, which is considered her strongest event due to the comparatively lower speeds involved. Additionally, she will compete in the newly introduced team combined event on Tuesday with Breezy Johnson, the recently crowned downhill champion. This event combines downhill and slalom runs from two racers, with their times aggregated to determine the outcome.
Shiffrin expressed concern about her current competitive capacity but maintained a positive outlook for the slalom. “I’m not at full capacity, not in giant slalom and not in slalom either, but I feel good enough in slalom,” she stated. The U.S. team for the combined event features other notable athletes including Lauren Macuga, Paula Moltzan, Lindsey Vonn, and Jacqueline Wiles.
Interestingly, Lindsey Vonn had expressed her desire to team up with Shiffrin, recognizing their shared achievements in the sport. However, the U.S. coaching staff opted for pairings based on the (best) performance results over the season. Vonn reacted on social media with a shrug emoji, indicating she was not surprised by the decision. She later emphasized her commitment to support her teammates regardless of the outcomes.
Shiffrin enjoys a close friendship with Johnson, recalling their years of competing together since childhood. Johnson’s recent victory marked her first major win at any level, including the World Cup. Shiffrin praised her friend’s resilience and determination, stating, “She knows the mental challenges of this sport better than anyone.”
This combined event presents Shiffrin with a “little glimmer of hope,” as she aims to enjoy skiing again without the weight of her fears. Looking ahead, she hopes to return to giant slalom shortly after the world championships, with scheduled races at Sestriere, Italy, where she can chase her record-extending 100th World Cup win. By postponing her return to giant slalom, Shiffrin believes it provides her with essential time to recuperate and regain her rhythm.
