With the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics just weeks away—starting February 6, 2026—Slovak alpine skiing star Petra Vlhová has delivered a stunning update that has electrified the sport. The reigning Olympic slalom champion from Beijing 2022 has been medically cleared to return to full-intensity skiing after a grueling two-year recovery from a severe knee injury, and she’s setting her sights on defending her title.
In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram on January 17, 2026, the 30-year-old Vlhová shared the long-awaited news: “I’ve just completed a medical check-up and, based on the results, my medical team and physiotherapists have cleared me for full skiing intensity. After two very challenging years, this is truly wonderful news for me.”
Here are powerful images of Petra Vlhová in action and during her recovery journey:
The injury nightmare began in January 2024 during a giant slalom at her home hill in Jasná, Slovakia, when she crashed hard, tearing the ACL, MCL, and meniscus in her right knee. She underwent reconstruction surgery, but cartilage complications required a second procedure in early 2025, keeping her off the slopes for nearly two full years.
Despite the tight timeline—with the women’s Olympic slalom scheduled for February 18 in Cortina d’Ampezzo—Vlhová is determined to fight for a spot on the Slovak team. “Given the current situation, it might sound a bit crazy, but despite how little time is left until the Olympics, I have decided to fight for the chance to compete,” she declared. “I cannot guarantee that I will reach this goal, but I can promise you that I will do my absolute best every single day… taking it day by day and closely monitoring how my knee responds.”
Vlhová plans to ramp up training and make a final decision on her participation just 48 hours before the race, emphasizing that her body will have the final say.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of support from the alpine skiing community, led by two of the sport’s biggest names: Mikaela Shiffrin, Vlhová’s longtime rival and the most successful World Cup skier in history, and retired legend Lindsey Vonn.
Shiffrin, who has shared intense battles with Vlhová in slalom events over the years, responded emotionally on Instagram with 🥹🤞 emojis, while Vonn enthusiastically commented, “Amazing news!!!” Other athletes, including Sara Hector, Michelle Gisin, and more, joined in with excitement and encouragement.
Check out these iconic moments capturing the fierce rivalry between Petra Vlhová and Mikaela Shiffrin:
Vlhová’s potential return adds massive intrigue to the women’s slalom competition, where Shiffrin enters as a top favorite amid her pursuit of more historic victories. Slovakia holds quota spots, and as one of the nation’s premier talents, Vlhová is well-positioned to qualify if she demonstrates readiness.
Here are triumphant podium shots of Petra Vlhová celebrating her many successes:
Slovakia’s Petra Vlhova celebrates on podium after winning an …
The alpine world is buzzing—Vlhová’s grit and determination could set the stage for one of the most dramatic Olympic comebacks in recent memory. Fans everywhere are keeping their fingers crossed for her!
