The world of alpine skiing has witnessed some incredible feats from Mikaela Shiffrin, but her journey to the 2025 Alpine World Ski Championships has been marred by both physical and mental challenges. Shiffrin, regarded as the most successful alpine skier of all time, has been vocal about the struggles she’s faced since a shocking injury during a World Cup race in December 2024. As she prepares for the Women’s Slalom event at the Alpine World Ski Championships, Shiffrin’s return to form is not just about conquering the slopes, but also overcoming the mental health obstacles triggered by her injury.
Shiffrin’s Injury and the Impact on Her Mental Health
Mikaela Shiffrin’s career has been built on consistency, precision, and an unparalleled skill set in alpine skiing. However, the unexpected injury she sustained during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont, has had a profound effect on her both physically and mentally. While competing in December, Shiffrin was on the verge of achieving her 100th World Cup victory. Leading in the second leg of the race, Shiffrin’s dreams were shattered when she crashed out near the end of her run, somersaulting into the safety nets.
The injury was not just painful but also alarming, with Shiffrin suffering a puncture wound and muscle damage to her stomach. She described the injury as “weird, gross, and painful,” adding that it left her shaken not just physically but mentally as well. She had to spend two months out of competition, taking the necessary time to recover from her injuries and rebuild her strength.
However, as Shiffrin returned to the slopes for the 2025 Alpine World Ski Championships, the mental scars of the accident remained. Shiffrin candidly admitted that while she looked fine on the outside, she wasn’t quite “OK” mentally. She explained that despite returning to competitive skiing, the psychological toll of the crash continued to haunt her.
Mental Struggles: Shiffrin’s Fear of Crashing Again
One of the most significant challenges Shiffrin has faced since her injury is the fear of crashing again. Despite her remarkable achievements in skiing, her recent experience has led to moments of anxiety and vivid flashbacks to the crash. Shiffrin revealed that she sometimes experiences “random visions of crashing” during her runs. These mental images are not just of the incident in Killington, but could be related to any race course she is competing on.
She spoke about her mind occasionally presenting visions of her being in the nets again, with a sense of something “stabbing through” her, echoing the trauma she went through during the accident. These visions are a reminder of the psychological battles that many elite athletes face, even after physical recovery. The mental health struggles associated with returning to competition are real and can often be overlooked in the high-performance world of sports.
While Shiffrin has made an impressive comeback on the slopes, it’s clear that the mental recovery process has been just as important, if not more, than her physical healing. She has opened up about how this experience has changed her perspective on the mental toughness required in elite sports.
Shiffrin’s Comeback and Triumph in the Women’s Team Combined Event
Despite the mental hurdles she has had to overcome, Shiffrin’s spirit remains unbroken, as evidenced by her performance in the Women’s Team Combined event at the 2025 Alpine World Ski Championships. Shiffrin teamed up with fellow American skier Breezy Johnson, the reigning world downhill champion, in a partnership that proved to be both fruitful and uplifting.
Shiffrin’s decision to join Johnson in the event came after turning down an invitation from skiing legend Lindsey Vonn. This choice turned out to be a turning point in Shiffrin’s recovery, as racing with Johnson brought a different dynamic to the competition. The two athletes supported each other, with Johnson expressing a desire to see Shiffrin happy and at her best.
The pair’s partnership paid off when they won gold in the Women’s Team Combined event, proving that despite Shiffrin’s mental challenges, her competitive edge and desire to win remained intact. This victory was more than just a gold medal – it was a testament to Shiffrin’s resilience and her ability to push through difficult moments.
Shiffrin reflected on the experience, noting that, as an individual athlete, there is always a sense of dissatisfaction. The constant drive to be faster, to fix flaws, and to meet the ever-high expectations of the sport can make it feel like nothing is ever enough. In this environment, the support of a teammate like Breezy Johnson was invaluable. Shiffrin emphasized how she was able to lean on Johnson during the competition, with both athletes working together toward a shared goal.
Shiffrin’s Return to Slalom: A Step Toward Recovery
Shiffrin has always been known for her exceptional skills in the slalom event, having won it four times at the World Championships. Despite her mental and physical challenges following her injury, Shiffrin is determined to compete in the slalom event again at the 2025 Alpine World Ski Championships.
However, despite her incredible track record, Shiffrin has expressed some uncertainty about whether she will be able to add another medal to her already impressive collection. At the time of writing, she has accumulated 15 World Championship medals, and another podium finish would break the record for most World Championship medals in women’s skiing. But Shiffrin isn’t focused solely on the possibility of adding to her medal tally. For her, the slalom race is part of the ongoing recovery process – both physically and mentally.
Shiffrin’s decision to participate in the slalom event, despite the mental struggles she has been experiencing, is a sign of her determination. She has not let her fears hold her back. Instead, she is using the opportunity to prove to herself that she can still compete at the highest level, despite the psychological challenges she faces.
Her presence at the starting line in Saalbach, Austria, is a testament to her resilience and her ability to face the unknown, not only on the slopes but in her personal journey of recovery.
The Road Ahead: Shiffrin Mental Health Journey
As Shiffrin continues her recovery, both physically and mentally, it is clear that her journey is far from over. The mental health challenges she has faced since her injury have been a powerful reminder of the complexities that athletes experience. Shiffrin’s courage in sharing her mental struggles with the public has helped shed light on the importance of mental health in sports.
Her openness about her fears and anxieties will undoubtedly inspire other athletes who may be facing similar challenges. While the focus of alpine skiing is often on the physical feats of the athletes, Shiffrin has made it clear that mental resilience is just as crucial to success.
As Shiffrin takes on the slalom event at the Alpine World Ski Championships, the world will be watching, not just for her performance on the slopes, but for her continued mental and emotional growth. Whether she secures another medal or not, Shiffrin has already proven that the journey to recovery – and to the starting line – is a victory in itself.
