Mikaela Shiffrin Withdraws from Giant Slalom at World Championships Citing PTSD Symptoms Following November Crash

Mikaela Shiffrin, the 29-year-old American skiing sensation, has announced her withdrawal from the women’s giant slalom at the World Alpine Skiing Championships, attributing her decision to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms stemming from a severe crash in November 2024.

The incident occurred during a World Cup race at Killington, Vermont, where Shiffrin suffered a deep puncture wound in her abdomen after hitting a gate and sliding into the netting. The injury required surgery and led to a two-month recovery period, during which she grappled with both physical and mental challenges. citeturn0news1

In a candid Instagram post dated February 10, 2025, Shiffrin expressed her struggles: “I’m currently working through some mental obstacles in order to return to the GS start with the intensity required for racing.” She further elaborated on her unexpected battle with PTSD-like symptoms following the injury. citeturn0news1

Despite her withdrawal from the giant slalom, Shiffrin chose to compete in the team combined event alongside teammate Breezy Johnson. Their partnership culminated in a gold medal, marking Shiffrin’s 15th career world championship medal and matching the record set by German skier Christl Cranz in the 1930s. citeturn0news2

Shiffrin’s journey has been a testament to resilience. Less than three months after her injury, she achieved her 100th World Cup victory in Sestriere, Italy, on February 23, 2025. Reflecting on her path to recovery and this milestone, she remarked, “It was a big push today, and a pretty emotional season, actually.” citeturn0news4

As Shiffrin continues to navigate the complexities of her recovery, she remains a beacon of perseverance in the skiing community, demonstrating unwavering dedication to her sport despite the challenges faced.

navlistMikaela Shiffrin’s Triumphs and Challenges in Recent Competitionsturn0news0,turn0news4,turn0news5