Mikaela Shiffrin has described the past year as a true “rollercoaster,” reflecting on a dramatic journey that took her from a serious injury to remarkable triumphs and a strong position heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The American alpine skiing superstar’s challenging 2025 season started with a severe crash on November 30, 2024, during the World Cup giant slalom in Killington, Vermont. While leading after the first run and chasing her milestone 100th World Cup victory, Shiffrin missed a gate, hit the snow hard, and slammed into the protective netting. The incident left her with a deep puncture wound near her abdomen—described by some reports as a stab-like injury—and significant trauma to her oblique muscles. She required surgery and faced a tough recovery, including dealing with lingering mental challenges such as PTSD from the crash and prior incidents.
Despite the setback, Shiffrin demonstrated incredible determination. She returned to competition just two months later, on January 30, 2025, finishing 10th in a World Cup slalom in Courchevel, France. Her resilience paid off spectacularly when she claimed her historic 100th World Cup win on February 23, 2025, in a slalom race in Sestriere, Italy—achieving the feat remarkably quickly after her injury.
A year after her comeback race, Shiffrin shared a poignant hospital video from her recovery period via her podcast “What’s the Point with Mikaela Shiffrin.” Resharing it on her Instagram story, she expressed deep gratitude: “The last year has been a rollercoaster and I’m so thankful to be where I am now. Thank you all for your support.”
Building on that momentum, Shiffrin continued her dominance in the lead-up to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. In the final major event before the Games—the women’s slalom at Špindlerův Mlýn, Czech Republic, on January 25, 2026—she delivered a commanding performance to secure her 108th World Cup victory. This win also clinched her record ninth slalom World Cup Crystal Globe, surpassing previous marks and highlighting her unparalleled consistency in the discipline.
As she prepares for her fourth Olympic appearance starting February 6, 2026, Shiffrin has adopted a refreshed, balanced mindset. The 30-year-old plans to compete in the giant slalom, slalom, and team combined events. She emphasized approaching the Games with openness and flexibility rather than rigid expectations.
“This Olympics, I’m coming in with an open mind,” Shiffrin said in recent interviews. “Things won’t go according to plan – and that’s okay. It’s so important to be able to enjoy whatever moments you can… and find the peaceful moments, the joyful moments. That’s something I’ve had every single Games.”
Her focus on enjoyment, self-trust, and balance stems from lessons learned through highs and lows, positioning her as a formidable contender while prioritizing mental well-being and the joy of competition. Shiffrin’s story continues to inspire, blending raw perseverance with a mature perspective on elite athletics.
