Mikaela Shiffrin Steadily Overcoming PTSD in Giant Slalom After Crash
Mikaela Shiffrin, the renowned American alpine skier, has been navigating a challenging journey of recovery and resilience following a severe crash during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont, on November 30, 2024. This incident resulted in a significant abdominal injury, leading to a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that has impacted her performance in the giant slalom discipline.
During the Killington race, Shiffrin was on the verge of securing her 100th World Cup victory when she lost control near the finish line, causing her to slide into a gate and sustain a deep puncture wound to her side. This injury required surgery and a two-month hiatus from competition. Reflecting on the accident, Shiffrin expressed uncertainty about the exact cause of the injury, noting that she still doesn’t know what led to the puncture wound.
The psychological aftermath of the crash has been profound. Shiffrin revealed that she has been experiencing PTSD symptoms, including intrusive thoughts and flashbacks, particularly during training sessions. She described moments in the start gate where she would imagine everything that could go wrong, leading to intense reactions. To address these challenges, Shiffrin has been working closely with a psychologist, focusing on regaining her mental fortitude and confidence on the slopes.
Despite these hurdles, Shiffrin has shown remarkable progress. She reported that the frequency of intrusive thoughts has decreased, and her mind-body connection has improved significantly. Training sessions have become more positive, with day-by-day improvements. Shiffrin emphasized her goal of returning to the confidence she exhibited in Killington before the crash, acknowledging that achieving this would be a significant milestone in her recovery.
In a testament to her resilience, Shiffrin achieved her 100th World Cup win in slalom at Sestriere, Italy, on February 23, 2025. This victory was particularly meaningful, coming shortly after her recovery from the severe abdominal injury. Shiffrin expressed the emotional difficulties of her recovery process but emphasized the importance of persevering through both good and bad times.
However, the path to full recovery has not been without setbacks. Shiffrin decided to withdraw from the women’s giant slalom at the World Alpine Skiing Championships in Austria, citing ongoing mental obstacles stemming from her PTSD. She candidly shared that she was not in the right mindset to defend her title, highlighting the complex interplay between physical recovery and mental readiness in high-stakes competition.
As she continues to rebuild her confidence in giant slalom, Shiffrin has shifted her focus to slalom events. At the World Cup finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, she opted to concentrate on slalom training while other racers competed in the giant slalom. This strategic decision underscores her commitment to gradual and sustainable progress, ensuring that she returns to competition at her own pace.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s journey is a powerful narrative of resilience and determination. Her openness about the challenges of overcoming PTSD sheds light on the psychological complexities athletes often face following traumatic experiences. As she continues to make strides in her recovery, Shiffrin remains a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that true strength encompasses both physical prowess and mental fortitude.