Following a 5-centimeter deep puncture wound, Mikaela Shiffrin experienced “intrusive thoughts” and “PTSD symptoms” (Exclusive)

I must know After suffering a five-centimeter puncture wound to her belly during a race in November 2024, Mikaela Shiffrin claims she has struggled with “intrusive thoughts” and PTSD symptoms. Shiffrin claims to have “crashed into a gate,” but she doesn’t even know how she got hurt.

When Mikaela Shiffrin crashed during a race last year, she had to face more than just the physical discomfort of an abdominal puncture wound.

Shiffrin, 30, tells PEOPLE that she suffered from “intrusive thoughts” and PTSD symptoms as a result of the injury, which was a five-centimeter deep puncture wound that was only one millimeter from her colon.

“It’s just been a process to recover from that physically, and mentally, more-so than I maybe expected,” Shiffrin adds. “I was having a lot of actual PTSD symptoms.”

Mikaela Shiffrin is carted off by medics after a crash on Nov. 30, 2024.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty

“Flashbacks” and “intrusive thoughts that were pretty challenging” were among those symptoms, she adds, particularly when she went back to the slopes at the end of January. “I’m getting the strength back and just continuing to work and whatnot, and keep working through things.”

Shiffrin doesn’t even know how the crash occurred. “That’s the million-dollar question,” she laughs as she states it. The Olympian pulls up her shirt to show the scar. “I crashed into a gate, and we think that maybe it was either impact or a portion of some part of the gate somehow managed to create the effect of a stab wound and it went right in here,” she says.

She gives gratitude to everyone in her immediate vicinity for helping her become well. “I have a lot of support from the team around me, and as an athlete, life trains you to just work through things, so the hardest thing is to be able to stop and say, ‘This is too much, too fast.'”

Shiffrin is holding onto the following quote as she gets ready for the February Olympics in Milan-Cortina: “You never really feel ready for something until the day after it happens.”

She tells PEOPLE, “That’s how I feel in most things in life,” “Whatever it is — if it’s a speech, if it’s anything on a stage, or if it’s skiing or racing, it’s like you’re never really ready until the day after it happens.”

Mikaela Shiffrin.
Harry How/Getty

Throughout her illustrious career, Shiffrin has won eight gold medals at the World Championships, two golds at the Olympics, and one silver. With 101 victories, she presently holds the record for the most World Cup victories in alpine skiing for both men and women. She is also the first skier to win gold at five consecutive World Championships.

Mikaela Shiffrin offers glimpses of training as she gears up for the upcoming season during her off season.

Mikaela Shiffrin recently posted a few photos from her most recent training sessions with her teammates ahead of the next season. Shiffrin finished her 2025 season in March.

Shiffrin’s 2025 season was characterized by significant ups and downs. After a terrible fall in the giant slalom that resulted in an abdominal puncture in November 2024, Shiffrin returned to the slopes for the night slalom in Courchevel, France, two months later. Before the 2024-25 season, Shiffrin had 97 wins. However, last season, the American skier won her 100th race at Sestiere, Italy, on February 23.

She went on to achieve another great milestone, earning the 101st World Cup and 157th podium place on home snow in Sun Valley, Idaho. The multiple Olympic medalist is currently in her off-season, sharpening her talents for the following season, which will include her presence at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Shiffrin posted a few glimpses of her training on Instagram, writing:

“More postcards from camp🩵”

In the carousel of photographs and videos, she was also seen sharing a beautiful moment with her training partners as they showed off their dance talents. Shiffrin will compete in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in February 2026.

“Most people didn’t really realize that the pressure wasn’t entirely off” – Mikaela Shiffrin reflects on returning to compete following her 100th World Cup victory

Mikaela Shiffrin FIS World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho. (Photo by Getty Images)

Mikaela Shiffrin commented on her appearance in the tournament following her 100th World Cup victory. at the third episode of Moving Right Along S3, Shiffrin expressed feeling pressure at Sun Valley to obtain 500 points and secure a decent starting position.

“When we traveled to Sun Valley, most folks had no idea the pressure was still on. The World Cup points issue, particularly in relation to start number, is a little tricky and funky, but long story short. Hitting 500 overall points improves your start number in all disciplines, and it was a significant goal for me to end the season at the 500-point mark to aid with my GS start number next season. So, that gave me a sense of urgency for the final race.” (2:16 onwards).

Mikaela Shiffrin won her 100th race in 1:50.33 seconds, beating off Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutic and teammate Paula Moltzan.

The Wait is Finally Over: Mikaela Shiffrin Returns to Alpine Skiing

For months, the skiing world has been waiting with excitement and curiosity. Fans, fellow athletes, and sports commentators have all been asking the same question: When will Mikaela Shiffrin be back on the slopes? Now, the answer is here. The greatest alpine skier of her generation is ready to make her long-awaited return to competition.

Her comeback is not just about skiing; it’s about resilience, love for the sport, and the joy of doing what she was born to do. For Mikaela, this moment is the next chapter in a story that has already inspired millions.

The Champion Who Changed the Sport

Mikaela Shiffrin’s name is almost impossible to separate from alpine skiing itself. Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager, she has redefined what excellence looks like on the slopes. Her precision in slalom, her dominance in giant slalom, and her ability to shine in nearly every discipline have set her apart.

With more World Cup victories than any other skier in history, she has earned the title of the sport’s greatest of all time. Her journey has been filled with Olympic gold medals, World Championship titles, and countless records that once seemed untouchable.

But what makes Mikaela even more remarkable is not just the numbers—it’s her humility, her discipline, and her passion for skiing.

Why the World Missed Her

When Shiffrin stepped away from competition due to injury earlier this year, the skiing world felt the absence instantly. Races felt a little quieter, and fans found themselves missing the excitement that comes whenever her name appears on the start list.

For Mikaela, the time away was not easy. She had to focus on recovery, allowing her body the time it needed to heal. For an athlete so dedicated to her craft, sitting out can be more challenging than competing. But she knew it was the right decision.

Her return now feels even sweeter because it comes after patience, hard work, and determination to come back stronger.

A Return Filled with Anticipation

The announcement of her comeback has sparked joy across the skiing community. Her fellow athletes have expressed excitement to see her back at the starting gate, and fans are already counting down the days until her first race.

There is a sense of anticipation that goes beyond sports results. It is about witnessing one of the world’s finest athletes doing what she does best. People know that whenever Shiffrin takes to the slopes, something special is likely to happen.

More Than Just Winning

While many are eager to see if Shiffrin will add more victories to her already historic career, her return is about much more than wins. For her, it is about the love of skiing, the thrill of racing, and the simple joy of being back on the snow.

She has often said that what drives her is not the records but the challenge of constantly improving. That mindset is what has made her career so enduring. She doesn’t just chase numbers—she chases personal growth.

This return is a chance to reconnect with the sport she loves and to once again feel the rush of competition.

The Support System Behind Her

Behind Mikaela’s comeback is a team of coaches, trainers, family members, and friends who have supported her every step of the way. Among them is her boyfriend, Norwegian skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who knows the ups and downs of elite sports himself.

Having people around her who understand the pressures of competition has been key. Their encouragement and belief in her have helped Mikaela prepare for this moment.

Her late father, Jeff Shiffrin, remains an ever-present inspiration. Mikaela often speaks about how much his lessons and love still guide her. Returning to competition is also, in many ways, a tribute to him.

What Fans Can Expect

As Shiffrin returns, fans may wonder how she will perform right away. Will she immediately dominate as before, or will it take time to regain her rhythm? The truth is, nobody knows for sure—and that’s part of the beauty of sports.

What people do know is that Mikaela will give everything she has, as she always does. Her commitment, focus, and natural talent are unmatched. Whether she wins her first race back or not, just seeing her on the slopes again will feel like a victory in itself.

A Story of Resilience

Mikaela’s return is not just a sporting event—it’s a story of resilience. Athletes face setbacks, whether through injury, loss, or challenges off the field. What defines them is how they respond.

For Mikaela, coming back shows her strength not only as a skier but as a person. It is proof that even the greatest face obstacles, and that with patience and hard work, those obstacles can be overcome.

The Legacy Continues

With her return, Mikaela Shiffrin adds another chapter to a legacy that is already one of the most extraordinary in sports. She has nothing left to prove, yet she continues to inspire by chasing new goals and embracing new challenges.

Her journey is no longer just about medals and titles—it’s about inspiring young athletes to dream big, work hard, and never give up, even when faced with setbacks.

Every time she skis, she shows the world that greatness is not about perfection but about persistence and love for what you do.

Conclusion

The wait is finally over. Mikaela Shiffrin is back, ready to race, ready to inspire, and ready to remind the world why she is one of the most beloved athletes of our time.

Her comeback is more than just a return to competition—it is a celebration of resilience, passion, and the human spirit. Fans will cheer her on not just for her victories but for the way she represents courage, humility, and the joy of sport.

As she stands once again at the starting gate, the world will be watching. And whether she adds another win to her historic career or simply enjoys the thrill of skiing again, one thing is certain: Mikaela Shiffrin’s story is far from finished.