In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE published on January 7, 2026, alpine skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin opened up about the profound physical and mental toll of her devastating November 2024 crash, admitting she seriously questioned whether she could return to elite competition—particularly in giant slalom (GS).
The two-time Olympic gold medalist was leading after the first run of a World Cup giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont, while chasing a historic 100th career victory on home snow. However, disaster struck in the second run when she clipped a gate, flipped, and slammed into the safety netting. The impact caused a severe five-centimeter-deep puncture wound to her abdomen—just one millimeter shy of her colon—along with significant muscle trauma. She was stretchered off the hill and required medical attention, marking a frightening end to what was meant to be a triumphant moment.
This wasn’t Shiffrin’s first setback that year; she had previously sprained her MCL and tibiofibular ligament in a January 2024 downhill crash but recovered without surgery. The November incident proved far more challenging. As she reflected on her recovery over a year later, with the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics just weeks away, Shiffrin described a period of deep uncertainty.
“When I was returning last year and I was on the cusp of losing my standings in GS, that was the question,” she told PEOPLE. “Can I get myself to a high enough level to earn the World Cup points to keep my standings or not? Because if I don’t, that might be the end of my GS career.”
She added candidly, “I don’t know that I have it in me to work all the way back from that place again,” highlighting how the injury threatened not just her immediate season but her long-term future in the discipline. World Cup ranking rules amplified the pressure: time away from racing can freeze points, but upon return, athletes must quickly rebuild them to maintain strong starting positions.
Despite the doubts, Shiffrin has staged a remarkable comeback. She returned to competition, secured her milestone 100th World Cup win in February 2025, and now enters the upcoming Olympics with renewed motivation, viewing the injury as fuel rather than a barrier.
The 30-year-old, widely regarded as the greatest alpine skier in history, has faced mental hurdles akin to PTSD in the aftermath, including earlier withdrawal from giant slalom events at the 2025 World Championships. Yet her resilience shines through as she prepares to chase more glory in Italy.
Shiffrin’s story is a powerful reminder of the risks elite athletes endure—and the unbreakable spirit required to overcome them. Fans worldwide will be watching as she takes on the slopes once again.
