In a highly anticipated comeback, American skiing sensation Mikaela Shiffrin made her return to World Cup ski racing at the Courchevel night slalom in France, finishing 10th in her first competition after a two-month injury layoff. Shiffrin’s remarkable return to the slopes was met with widespread excitement and relief, as the 29-year-old skier seeks to extend her record-breaking World Cup victory tally to 100.
Shiffrin’s comeback was nothing short of remarkable, considering the severity of the abdominal injury she sustained at the Stifel Killington Cup in November. After 60 days of rehabilitation and recovery, Shiffrin felt strong enough physically and mentally to return to competition mode. While acknowledging that she is still not at 100% fitness, Shiffrin emphasized that her return to competition is an integral part of her recovery process.
The Courchevel night slalom held special significance for Shiffrin, who has enjoyed immense success at this venue throughout her career. With seven World Cup victories across four different disciplines, Courchevel has become a happy hunting ground for the American skier. Shiffrin’s goal for the night was simple: to race, regain her competitive edge, and have fun. By finishing 10th, Shiffrin achieved her objective, signaling her return to the World Cup circuit and setting her sights on the upcoming 2025 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships.
Shiffrin was not the only American athlete competing at Courchevel. Four other Stifel U.S. Ski Team tech athletes, including Paula Moltzan, AJ Hurt, Nina O’Brien, and Katie Hensien, joined her on the start list. Although they did not advance to the second run, these athletes are already focused on training and preparing for the upcoming races.
The challenging conditions at Courchevel, with deteriorating snow and choppy terrain, made it difficult for many athletes to complete their runs. However, Shiffrin’s experience and skill enabled her to navigate the course with precision and control, ultimately securing a top-10 finish.
As Shiffrin continues on her journey towards regaining her competitive edge, her fans and supporters will be eagerly following her progress. With her sights set on the 2025 World Championships and her record-extending 100th World Cup victory, Shiffrin is poised to make a lasting impact on the skiing world once again.
