Mikaela Shiffrin Faces Grief, PTSD, and Unique Injury: NPR Report
Mikaela Shiffrin, the all-time winningest Alpine skier, is preparing for her fourth Olympic appearance at the upcoming winter games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. With 108 World Cup victories, she stands out as a remarkable athlete, particularly given her personal and professional challenges.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Olympic Journey
At just 18, Shiffrin captivated the world by winning Olympic gold in the slalom event at the 2014 Sochi Games. In 2018, she captured another gold in giant slalom, demonstrating her potential to break Ingemar Stenmark’s long-standing record of 86 World Cup wins. Despite her rigorous training and success, Shiffrin faced unexpected hurdles during the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she failed to medal in any event.
Dealing with Grief and Trauma
Shiffrin’s life took a devastating turn in 2020 when her father passed away unexpectedly. This loss led to a prolonged break from skiing, as she battled intense grief and psychological challenges. Her mother shared that Shiffrin struggled significantly, experiencing a profound emotional crisis that hindered her ability to participate in her sport.
- 2020: Death of Shiffrin’s father, Jeff.
- 10 months: Duration of Shiffrin’s break from competitive skiing.
- 2022: Shiffrin enters all six Alpine events at the Beijing Olympics.
- Post-Beijing: Begins working with a psychologist for her mental health.
Recent Challenges and Recovery
In late 2024, Shiffrin experienced a severe injury during a giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont. A crash into a slalom gate resulted in a puncture wound to her abdomen, requiring extensive recovery. Following her physical rehabilitation, she discovered that she was also grappling with PTSD related to the accident.
Competitive Outlook
Now at 30, Shiffrin is back in competition mode, focusing on slalom, giant slalom, and the team combined event for the 2026 Winter Olympics. She remains optimistic and determined to showcase her skills, emphasizing that this year’s experience is less nerve-wracking than previous competitions.
As Shiffrin skims toward the upcoming events, she acknowledges the lingering fear of disappointment, but also the excitement of returning to the sport she loves. Her resilience and dedication prove that she continues to grow, both as an athlete and as a person, amid life’s challenges.
Key Upcoming Events in Cortina
The competition schedule for Shiffrin is as follows:
- Team Combined Event: Date TBD
- Giant Slalom: February 15
- Slalom: February 18
With her history of overcoming personal adversities, Mikaela Shiffrin is poised to continue her remarkable journey in Alpine skiing as she focuses on achieving her Olympic goals.
