As Mikaela Shiffrin prepares to make her highly anticipated return to ski racing on Thursday in Courchevel, France, her focus is not on chasing World Cup win No. 100, but rather on continuing her recovery from a serious crash two months ago.
The two-time Olympic champion has been working tirelessly to regain her strength and mobility after a devastating spill in a giant slalom race on November 30 in Killington, Vermont. The crash left her with severe trauma to her oblique muscles, and Shiffrin has been taking a cautious approach to her recovery.
In a video recorded ahead of Thursday’s competition, Shiffrin expressed her excitement and gratitude to be back on the slopes. “To be here at this point is just so incredible,” she said. “It’s just really hard to zoom out and look at that whole big picture and all the hype (around chasing her 100th win) that has been talked about since the start of the season.”
For Shiffrin, the slalom competition in Courchevel is not about achieving a milestone victory, but rather about taking the next step in her recovery. “This is a step. This is a really big step in my recovery. But it’s only one step, actually. We’re taking it as it comes,” she explained.
The French region of Courchevel holds a special significance for Shiffrin, who has enjoyed immense success in the area. She has won seven World Cup events at Courchevel/Meribel, spanning four different disciplines, and has captured three world championship medals in the region.
Moreover, Courchevel is also where Shiffrin earned her first win after losing her father, Jeff Shiffrin, who passed away in February 2020. The emotional connection she feels with the region is palpable, and Shiffrin is eager to tap into that positive energy as she continues her recovery.
As Shiffrin takes to the slopes on Thursday, her primary goal is not to secure her 100th World Cup victory, but rather to enjoy the experience of competing again. “My biggest goal is to enjoy being back in the start gate again,” she said.
With her focus firmly on the present moment, Shiffrin is taking a thoughtful and measured approach to her recovery. By prioritizing her health and well-being, she is setting herself up for long-term success, both on and off the slopes.
As the skiing world watches with bated breath, Shiffrin’s return to competition is a testament to her resilience, determination, and passion for the sport. While the milestone of 100 World Cup victories may be on the horizon, Shiffrin’s focus remains firmly on the present, and the joy of competing again.
