Mikaela Shiffrin opens out about her PTSD diagnosis in the latest episode of her YouTube series

Mikaela Shiffrin detailed the ups and downs of her injury recovery in the newest episode of her YouTube series, “Moving Right Along.”

The 16-minute movie was released on March 26, one day before the Edwards racer wrapped up her 2024-25 season with a slalom victory at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho. The fourth episode of season three focusses on some of the mental and emotional problems the sport’s all-time winningest athlete encountered throughout a roller-coaster season.

Shiffrin fell while attempting to win her 100th World Cup race at Killington, Vermont, on November 30. She had won two of the first three races this season. The stomach puncture wound necessitated surgery, preventing the skier from competing in the highly anticipated women’s World Cup events at Beaver Creek in December. Following a 60-day break from the World Cup, the 30-year-old returned to the circuit and participated in the World Championships in Saalbach, Austria, in February. However, because to post-traumatic stress disorder, she withdrew to compete in the giant slalom.

“It’s been scary to experience these flashes of images of crashing and not knowing what they were,” Shiffrin said in a film dated February 17, five days after her official PTSD diagnosis.

In the episode, Shiffrin meets with a psychologist on February 12.

“I think it’s important that we understand what’s happening and have words for it and continue to treat it and not just have it be some, ‘oh I’m having difficulty coping,'” the psychiatrist stated on the video.

Shiffrin mentioned experiencing “visions” while skiing.

“They’re like flashes,” she explained. “It’s not exactly the same as the Killington crash, but it’s a similar sensation. “Like, tunnel vision, looking through goggles.”

Shiffrin stated that she saw herself blowing through the fence or falling into trees.

“That has really forced me to pull back and not want to take on the speed,” she told me.

Shiffrin finished 10th in a slalom at Courchevel, France, on January 30th, her first World Cup event back. Because she missed the world championships GS, she was given the opportunity to compete in the new Team Combined event. Before committing to the two-person slalom/downhill, Shiffrin said she felt obligated to contact Breezy Johnson, her probable teammate.

“I need her to understand where I’m at in order to understand what the possibilities for this event are,” Shiffrin told me. “Because if she’s going to be going into this expecting a medal, I don’t think I can give her that.”

Shiffrin went on to read a text message from Johnson, who won gold in the downhill three days before the Team Combined. Johnson informed Shiffrin that she would be honoured to be her teammate, but that she should not feel pressured to commit.

“I’d love to offer you the opportunity to check out the slalom slope and have some fun if you like. But I know you’ve gone through a lot this year,” Johnson’s text stated. “Do what seems right for you and don’t make a decision right now, but know that I don’t have any expectations from you. You are a fighter, and recovering from an injury in the middle of the season is difficult both psychologically and physically. Whatever happens, I will always support you.”

The duo, who bonded over their Atomic ski gear as 12 and 13-year-old roommates earlier in their careers, went on to win gold.

Dr. Turner Lisle, chief of trauma and robotic surgery at Vail Health, appears in the show to talk about Shiffrin’s injuries and following December surgery in Vail.

“This was really an unprecedented injury in this level of an athlete,” according to him. “I see oblique tears all the time, but with a stab wound, along with the associated significant muscular trauma, coming millimetres from puncturing her colon, the initial treatment I thought was going to be pretty conservative.”

Gillian Bower, the U.S. Ski Team’s VP of High Performance, predicted that the November 30 fall would result in a “season-ending injury.” She also mentioned the psychological component of Shiffrin’s return.

“I think the mental aspect of return is the least predictable portion of returning an athlete to sport,” says Bower. “Which is why it’s really important to have a solid team around an athlete.”

Shiffrin won her 100th race at Sestriere, Italy, on February 23, before finishing the season with a podium in Are, Sweden, on March 9 and her 101st win in Sun Valley. Lisle claimed he never questioned Shiffrin’s persistence or ability to recover.

“After everything she went through with this injury and what I saw her overcome during the recovery — from the dressing changes to the wound vac changes to the surgical recovery, wrapped up all with such tremendous focus in the gym — I can say the 100th win really wasn’t much of a surprise to be honest,” according to him. “I knew she had it in her from the first day I met her in December.”

Shiffrin, who is preparing for an Olympic year, stated that the entire incident has given her forthcoming training season “so much direction.” Her whole concept of athletics appears to have developed as well.

“It’s not the most simple thing to say, ‘it should just be fun,’” Shiffrin said near the end of the episode.
“Doing this while it’s difficult is what leads you to the point where you do it because it’s enjoyable. You don’t get to have the nice and fun and delightful and easy days without the hard days when you don’t completely understand why you’re there.”

Mikaela Shiffrin Poses in Fur Coat to Promote a New Children’s Charity

Mikaela Shiffrin, an Olympic skier, announced an initiative for a worthy cause on Instagram on Wednesday, April 2nd.

The 30-year-old athlete posted a black-and-white photo of herself clothed in a fur coat and snow boots, posing in a freezing, snow-covered barn. An American flag draped behind her, symbolising Shiffrin’s extraordinary, record-breaking accomplishment representing the United States at the Olympics.

Her fiancé, Norwegian alpine skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, can be seen sitting calmly in the background of the photo.

 

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Shiffrin previously stated that she is working with the Share Winter Foundation. This nonprofit raises funds to give youngsters with access to winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

Photographer and philanthropist David Yarrow captured this magnificent shot, named “National Treasure,” according to Shiffrin. The big size version of this limited edition print was donated by Yarrow as part of an auction to benefit this vital effort.

The shot is estimated to be worth $50,000 USD on the auction website. Bids are still rolling in, and the auction will be active until April 3rd at 8:00pm EDT.

“Thank you, David, for playing such an important role in introducing snow sports to children who would otherwise not have access to sports,” he wrote.

“What a fantastic cause. We had a great time laughing with you and Aleksander in Norway; it was a true honour. “Love and respect,” said Yarrow.

Helen Storms

Helen Storms is a freelance writer for The Sporting News headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since earning a degree in professional writing from Purdue University, she has covered a wide range of themes, including trending news, lifestyle, and pop culture.

Crafted for fans since 1886.

Mikaela Shiffrin, an Alpine Superstar ready for a “Summer of Preparation”

Shiffrin addressed openly on her mental health and future goals following her 101st World Cup victory at the World Cup Finals.

Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals: 2025 Stifel Sun Valley Finals

The Audi FIS World Cup Ski Finals concluded last week in Sun Valley, Idaho. The first destination ski resort welcomed the world’s greatest alpine ski racers to the 2025 Stifel Sun Valley Finals. The finals were held outside of Europe for the first time in seven years. Thousands of spectators from all around the world flocked to Sun Valley to see the elite racing and festival-like atmosphere that characterised the week-long contests. Among the best skiers, none shone brighter than Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States, who now holds the record for most World Cup ski wins with 101.

March 27, 2025; Sun Valley, ID, USA. Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States celebrates after winning the slalom alpine skiing event at the 2025 FIS Ski World Cup in Sun Valley. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images.

Mikaela Shiffrin’s Comeback

Shiffrin entered these championships with a comeback and a mission. Her World Cup campaign was halted in November at the Killington Cup in Vermont when she suffered a severe fall and injury that resulted in a terrible puncture wound on the right side of her abdomen. Shiffrin was physically and psychologically damaged by the tragedy, forcing her to stay off the slopes for months while she recovered.

Shiffrin pushed through her recovery and returned to World Cup racing in Sestriere, Italy, in February, where she won her 100th title. Just over a month later, she arrived in Sun Valley for the World Cup Finals, having qualified for the slalom. She finished sixth in the discipline’s season-long points standings, qualifying for the top 25. Shiffrin responded to the occasion and won the gold medal in the slalom event at Sun Valley, California.

She won the event under bright conditions, clocking a cumulative two-run time of 1:45:92. Lena Duerr of Germany won the silver medal in 1:47.05, while Slovenia’s Andreja Slokar finished third in 1:47.06. Shiffrin won her 101st World Cup with a stunning performance in the Sun Valley World Cup finals, extending her impressive record.

Shiffrin moves forward.

Shiffrin, who has never given up on a task, recently revealed that she is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of her devastating injuries. She has not only won the marathon, but she has also made efforts to enhance her health.

Shiffrin told TODAY that her experience this year was unusual. This type of mental, mind-body disconnect after injury was something I wasn’t sure how to deal with… [I’m] still working through it, but I’m looking forward to a summer of preparation to get exposure and continue training—that appears to be the best approach to work through it.”

Despite a hard and successful season, Shiffrin has been open about her rehabilitation journey, inspiring her fans, colleagues, and competition. Mikaela now enters the offseason in good health and prepared to work on her mental and physical training. She will continue to be a dominant force in the forthcoming 2025-26 World Cup season and 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy (February 6-22, 2026).

MARIA ALDRICH

Maria Aldrich graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Wilderness Education. While getting her degrees, she learnt the essentials of climbing, outdoor travel, and backcountry leadership. Maria’s lifetime affinity for the outdoors served as the foundation for these abilities. After graduating, she began working in the outdoor recreation industry, assisting people with disabilities in accessing outdoor activities such as hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. The next year, Maria relocated to New York’s Adirondack Mountains to pursue a life of adventure and writing. She has continued to rock and ice climb, hike in the Adirondack High Peaks, and paddle across numerous rivers, all while writing about her adventures. When Maria isn’t exploring the mountains, she may be found reading a book, fishing on the beach, or spending time with family.

Vonn and Shiffrin fuel U.S. 2026 Winter Olympics hopes

The United States is poised for a remarkable showing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, thanks in large part to the inspiring journeys of alpine skiing legends Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin. Their recent performances have not only elevated the sport but have also ignited a renewed sense of optimism and excitement among fans and aspiring athletes alike.

Lindsey Vonn: A Triumphant Return

Lindsey Vonn, a name synonymous with excellence in alpine skiing, made headlines with her unexpected return to competitive racing at the age of 40. After retiring in 2019 due to persistent knee injuries, Vonn underwent knee replacement surgery, a procedure that many thought would end any hopes of a comeback. However, defying expectations, she returned to the slopes, showcasing her undiminished passion and skill.

In March 2025, at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, Vonn delivered a stellar performance in the super-G event, finishing second and becoming the oldest female alpine skier to medal at a World Cup event. Reflecting on her achievement, Vonn expressed immense joy and a sense of vindication, having faced skepticism about her return. She stated, “I proved everyone wrong.”

Vonn’s comeback has not only added to her illustrious career but has also served as a testament to resilience and determination. Her journey underscores the message that age and physical setbacks need not define one’s aspirations. As she sets her sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics, Vonn’s story continues to inspire both seasoned athletes and newcomers to the sport.

Mikaela Shiffrin: Redefining Greatness

While Vonn’s return has captured global attention, Mikaela Shiffrin’s relentless pursuit of excellence has been equally compelling. At 29, Shiffrin has already cemented her legacy as one of the greatest alpine skiers. Her recent performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, as she continues to shatter records and set new benchmarks in the sport.

In the 2024-2025 season, Shiffrin secured her 101st World Cup victory in the slalom, extending her record and solidifying her status at the pinnacle of alpine skiing. Her ability to maintain peak performance across multiple disciplines has been a cornerstone of her career, reflecting a combination of talent, work ethic, and mental fortitude.

Shiffrin’s journey has not been without challenges. Her resilience in the face of personal and professional hurdles has endeared her to fans worldwide and has made her a role model for aspiring athletes. As she approaches the 2026 Winter Olympics, Shiffrin’s focus remains on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in alpine skiing, inspiring a new generation to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

Impact on Team USA’s Prospects

The influence of Vonn and Shiffrin extends beyond their individual accomplishments; they have collectively elevated the profile of alpine skiing in the United States and have been instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence within the sport. Their successes have paved the way for a new wave of talent, contributing to a robust pipeline of athletes poised to make their mark on the international stage.

Sophie Goldschmidt, CEO of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, lauded both athletes for their contributions, highlighting the depth of talent within the U.S. women’s Olympic team. She noted that the intense competition for spots on the team is a testament to the strength and potential of American skiing and snowboarding.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics

As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the narratives of Vonn and Shiffrin serve as powerful motivators for Team USA. Their stories embody the spirit of perseverance, excellence, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. With their leadership and the burgeoning talent within the team, the United States is well-positioned to make a significant impact at the upcoming Games, promising thrilling performances that will captivate audiences worldwide.