U.S. star Shiffrin struggling with PTSD after crash, won’t defend giant slalom title at ski worlds

Mikaela Shiffrin has made the difficult decision to not defend her gold medal in giant slalom at the alpine skiing world championships due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a crash in November. The American skiing star, who holds a record 99 World Cup wins, suffered a deep puncture wound when she fell during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont. The fall caused severe trauma to her oblique muscles and left her mentally blocked from reaching the next level of pace and speed.

In an audio message shared with The Associated Press, Shiffrin opened up about her struggles, stating, “I’m mentally blocked in being able to get to the next level of pace and speed and putting power into the turns.” She also mentioned that the psychological struggle she is facing is more challenging than she anticipated. The injury she sustained in the fall was almost catastrophic, with the object that stabbed her coming within a millimeter of causing significant damage to her abdominal wall and colon.

Shiffrin, who also had a high-speed crash in downhill last season, has been working with a psychologist to address her fears and mental health challenges. She expressed her disappointment in not being able to defend her title in giant slalom at the world championships, describing it as “soul-crushing.”

Despite her struggles, Shiffrin returned to competition last month and placed 10th in a slalom race in Courchevel, France. She is still planning to race in the slalom event at the world championships, which is her best event and has lower speeds than giant slalom, reducing the danger level.

In a surprising turn of events, Shiffrin has decided to enter the new team combined event at the world championships and will pair with downhill gold medalist Breezy Johnson. The team combined event involves one racer competing in a downhill run and another in a slalom run, with their times combined to determine the final results.

Shiffrin and Johnson have a long history of racing together since they were 11 years old, and Shiffrin expressed excitement about teaming up with her friend and competitor. Johnson recently returned from a 14-month ban for anti-doping violations, and Shiffrin praised her determination and grit in overcoming challenges.

While Shiffrin’s focus is currently on the slalom event at the world championships, she hopes to return to giant slalom competition after the championships. She is aiming to reach a milestone of 100 World Cup victories and is determined to overcome her mental struggles to continue her success in the sport.