Shiffrin faces Olympic Uncertainty After Challenging Recovery
ST. MORITZ,Switzerland – Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin’s participation in all events at the upcoming winter Olympics remains uncertain as she continues to assess her form and recovery following a important crash last season. The most decorated figure skater of all time is unsure if she will meet qualifying standards for the super-G event,and will forgo downhill racing entirely this season.
Shiffrin, 28, is approaching the Olympic season after a difficult period marked by both physical and mental challenges stemming from a November 2023 crash in Killington, USA. The injury and its aftermath led to a disappointing 16th-place overall finish in the World Cup last season and a prolonged absence from giant slalom competition until February 2024. Her ability to contend for medals across multiple disciplines hinges on her performance at the upcoming World Cup event in St. Moritz.
“St. Moritz will be my chance to see where I stand, if it’s even possible for me to qualify,” Shiffrin stated. should she not qualify for super-G, she will concentrate her efforts on slalom and giant slalom.
The American skier acknowledged the progress she has made since the crash. “It has been a fantastic journey from where I was after last season, where the connection between body and head didn’t work at all, to where I am now,” she said.
The World Cup season is set to begin this weekend in Sölden, Austria, offering an early indication of Shiffrin’s competitive level as she prepares for the Olympics. The crash in Killington, USA, last november, marked a turning point in a career previously defined by consistent success. Shiffrin openly discussed experiencing severe mental difficulties following the incident.
