Mikaela Shiffrin, the renowned American skier, has made a significant breakthrough in her recovery from a severe injury suffered during a World Cup giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont, on November 30. The 29-year-old Edwards skier recently posted a video on Instagram, showcasing her first on-snow turns since the crash, which occurred while she was vying for her 100th-career World Cup win.
A Successful On-Snow Test
Shiffrin’s video, filmed at what appears to be Beaver Creek, depicts her carving through the snow with ease, her movements smooth and confident. “Was a successful on-snow test,” she captioned the video. “We did three runs. Nothing crazy, but that was so fun.” This milestone marks a significant step forward in Shiffrin’s rehabilitation process, which has been marked by setbacks and challenges.
A Gruesome Injury and Subsequent Surgery
Shiffrin’s injury, sustained during the second run of the World Cup giant slalom, was a severe one. She slipped onto her inside hip on a right turn and crashed through two gates, suffering what she described as a “stab wound” to her abdomen. The injury was seven centimeters deep and tore into her external and internal obliques. Initially, the plan was to allow the injury to heal from the inside out, but complications arose when Shiffrin developed chills, fever, and unusual symptoms. A pocket of fluid had built up, necessitating surgical intervention.
A Long and Arduous Recovery Process
Shiffrin’s recovery has been marked by intense dedication and perseverance. She has been putting in 12-hour workdays, focusing on healing, rehabilitation, strength, and conditioning. Her spokesperson, Megan Harrod, revealed that Shiffrin has made significant progress, including normal speed slalom turns on slalom and GS skis. However, some weakness remains, which is to be expected given the severity of the injury.
A Cautious Return to Competition
While Shiffrin’s progress is encouraging, her return to European competition and World Cup events is still pending. Her team is assessing her daily progress, and a decision will be made in due course. For now, Shiffrin remains focused on her rehabilitation, driven by her unwavering passion for skiing and her determination to return to the top of her sport.
