Olympic champion skier Mikaela Shiffrin has withdrawn from the giant slalom event at the Alpine Skiing World Championships, citing mental obstacles and a “PTSD struggle” following a November crash. The American star, a three-time Olympic medalist and seven-time world championship medalist, had been looking to defend her title but is now seeking more time to recover.
Shiffrin revealed on Instagram that she was dealing with “mental obstacles” after the fall in Killington, Vt., which kept her out of competition for two months. Despite plans to compete in slalom this Saturday and pair with Breezy Johnson in the team combined event, Shiffrin said she needs more time to return to giant slalom.
The injury occurred when Shiffrin fell on the second giant slalom run, but she was fortunate not to suffer more serious harm. She has been open about her recovery process, including sharing videos of the wound to her midsection.
Shiffrin’s decision is a significant blow to her chances of defending her title, which she won in 2018 and again in 2023. The injury also marks a new challenge for Shiffrin, who has struggled with PTSD-like symptoms following the crash.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6126120/2025/02/10/mikaela-shiffrin-mental-struggle-world-championships