Curious about Mikaela Shiffrin’s recent injury and recovery progress? The skiing legend faced a significant setback during the Stifel Killington Cup, sparking widespread concern and speculation about her condition.
Here’s what we know about the severity of her injury, the steps she’s taking to recover, and her plans for a return to competition.
How did Mikaela Shiffrin get injured?
On November 30, 2024, Mikaela Shiffrin competed in the Stifel Killington Cup’s women’s giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont.
During her second run, she caught an edge on her outside ski and lost control. Shiffrin tumbled into the protective b-nets. As she fell, Shriffin sustained a puncture wound. The injury was later linked to the tip of her ski pole, which pierced her left oblique muscles.
Initially, there were concerns about spinal cord damage because Shiffrin was immobile after the crash. Rescue teams discovered her immobility was due to the severity of the puncture wound and internal injuries. The injury created a “cavern” in her oblique muscles, causing internal bleeding and severe bruising (via Sports Illustrated). This left her temporarily unable to walk. Medical teams used a wound vacuum to manage fluid buildup and promote healing.
Shiffrin provided detailed updates through her social media accounts, sharing graphic images of the injury to inform fans about her condition. These updates clarified the cause of the injury and underscored the challenges she is facing during recovery. Despite the severity of her injuries, Shiffrin emphasized that they were limited to muscle damage, allowing her to take her first steps outdoors just a week after the crash.
Although Shiffrin will not compete in the upcoming race in Beaver Creek, Colorado, she remains optimistic about her return. Expressing her gratitude for the support she has received, she plans to cheer for her teammates from the sidelines and continue her pursuit of a 100th World Cup victory later in the season.
