Mikaela Shiffrin’s Courageous Admission: Overcoming Mental Obstacles After a Violent Crash
Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated alpine skier in history, has faced numerous challenges throughout her illustrious career. However, her latest obstacle may be the most daunting one yet. Following a violent crash in Killington, Vermont, on November 30, Shiffrin has been struggling to overcome the mental barriers that have been hindering her return to competition.
In a heartfelt statement posted on Instagram, Shiffrin revealed that she has been experiencing PTSD-like symptoms, which have made it difficult for her to participate in the giant slalom event at the FIS World Championships in Saalbach, Austria. Despite her physical recovery, Shiffrin’s mental well-being has taken a toll, forcing her to withdraw from the competition.
“I’ve poured all of my energy into getting my giant slalom in shape to be prepared to start World Champs GS in Saalbach on Thursday,” Shiffrin wrote. “The long-story-short is…I’m not there. Right now, I feel quite far away. I’m currently working through some mental obstacles in order to return to the GS start with the intensity required for racing.”
Shiffrin’s courageous admission highlights the often-overlooked aspect of mental health in sports. The pressure to perform, the fear of injury, and the stress of competition can take a significant toll on an athlete’s mental well-being. Shiffrin’s experience serves as a poignant reminder that even the most accomplished athletes can struggle with mental health issues.
The 29-year-old Colorado native suffered a puncture wound to her abdomen and severe muscle trauma during the crash, which has left her struggling to come to terms with the fear that has been holding her back. Shiffrin’s passion and love for the sport have been overshadowed by the anxiety and apprehension that have been plaguing her.
“Honestly, I really didn’t anticipate experiencing so much of this kind of mental/PTSD struggle in GS from my injury in Killington,” Shiffrin said. “Like always, I tried diving into the challenge, hoping to get there by Worlds. I figured my passion and longing to compete would outweigh the mental barriers. Maybe that will be the case over time, but I’m not there yet.”
Shiffrin’s withdrawal from the World Championships giant slalom event has allowed her to focus on the women’s team combined event, where she will partner with teammate Breezy Johnson. Shiffrin will ski the slalom half of the event, which is considered safer than the giant slalom, as it involves slower speeds.
“I’m mentally blocked in being able to get to the next level of pace and speed and putting power into the turns,” Shiffrin explained. “One of my teammates – who knows this experience well – said that the only thing you can do is keep trying. So that’s what I will do.”
Shiffrin’s determination to overcome her mental obstacles is a testament to her strength and resilience. As she continues to work her way back to the form that won her gold in the giant slalom in PyeongChang in 2018, Shiffrin’s courage and vulnerability serve as a powerful reminder that mental health matters, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
