Two-time Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin is gearing up for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, but the American skiing superstar has revealed she seriously considered quitting the sport following a terrifying crash.
The 30-year-old Team USA athlete suffered a severe fall during a World Cup giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont, in November 2024. The accident resulted in a deep 5cm puncture wound to her abdomen — just one millimeter from her colon — causing significant physical trauma and lingering mental effects.
In a candid interview with People magazine, Shiffrin admitted the injury forced her to confront tough questions about her future in competitive skiing, particularly in giant slalom (GS).
She explained that returning from injury resets World Cup points, which determine starting positions and rankings. “I was on the cusp of losing my standings in GS,” she said. “That was the question: Can I get myself to a high enough level to earn the points back, or not? Because if I don’t, that might be the end of my GS career.”
Shiffrin, who has battled back from previous setbacks, described the psychological toll as unexpected and intense. She experienced symptoms similar to PTSD, including intrusive thoughts and flashbacks, especially when returning to the slopes.
Despite these challenges, Shiffrin made a remarkable comeback, resuming competition and achieving strong results in the 2025-2026 World Cup season. Now, with the Milan-Cortina Games just weeks away, she remains determined.
“Medals are on my mind,” Shiffrin shared. “I’m in the mix of a comeback season and going full gas. I’m trying to ride the wave and keep pushing forward.”
As one of the most decorated alpine skiers in history, with multiple World Cup titles and Olympic golds, Shiffrin’s resilience has inspired fans worldwide. Her journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics highlights the mental and physical demands of elite sport, as she aims to add to her legacy on the Italian slopes.
