The much-anticipated pairing of Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships won’t be happening. On Tuesday, Shiffrin confirmed she’s skipping the team combined event in Saalbach, Austria, to focus on slalom and giant slalom, dashing hopes of a dream duo. While disappointing for fans, the decision is understandable given her recent struggles with injury.
Shiffrin suffered a significant setback in November 2024 when a crash in Killington left her with a punctured oblique muscle. Surgery and months of rehab followed, and although she returned to racing on Jan. 30, finishing 10th in Courchevel’s night slalom, the road back has been anything but smooth. Despite her determination to compete in the giant slalom on Feb. 13, she ultimately admitted she isn’t mentally or physically ready.
“No World Champs GS for me. 😣💆♀️ I’ve poured all of my energy into getting my giant slalom in shape… but I’m not there,” she shared, revealing that lingering fears from her crash have made it difficult to race at full intensity. The realization has been crushing for her, turning what was once her favorite event into a source of anxiety.
Instead, Shiffrin will team up with Breezy Johnson, a fearless member of the U.S. Speed Team, for the team combined event. “Since GS is not in the cards, that re-opens the opportunity for me to join my teammates in the Team Combined,” she explained. While not the historic partnership with Vonn that fans envisioned, the duo will still be one to watch.
Fans Stand by Shiffrin Amid Difficult Choice
Shiffrin’s decision to sit out the GS event hit fans hard, but the overwhelming response has been one of support and admiration. Many encouraged her to take her time, reminding her of past comebacks like in 2016, when a knee injury sidelined her for months, only for her to return and dominate every slalom race she entered. If history repeats itself, missing Worlds might just be setting the stage for another legendary resurgence.
One fan reassured her, “You’ve got this, Mikaela! Your strength and experience will carry you through this challenge.” Another added, “Missing GS sucks, but we know you’ll come back stronger.” And in the way only a true fan could, one summed it up simply: “Yeah, it sucks. But we still love you 😃.”
Overcoming Mental Hurdles: A Journey Beyond Skiing.
This isn’t the first time Shiffrin has faced a mental battle. In 2022, after losing her father, struggling with injury, and contracting COVID-19, she endured a devastating Olympics, getting disqualified from three races, including her signature slalom. Cameras captured her sitting on the snow, head down, overwhelmed by the moment. Instead of hiding her emotions, she chose to be open about her struggles.
“It’s scary,” she later admitted, “because it shows vulnerability. But there’s no reason to feel shame anymore.” That honesty has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom have expressed their pride in her transparency. One wrote, “There’s no timeline for recovery just be you, because you are great no matter how long it takes ❤️.” Another added, “Proud of you for taking it one day at a time.”
At the end of the day, whether she’s speeding down a mountain or taking a step back to heal, Mikaela Shiffrin is still Mikaela Shiffrin. And when she does return? It’s going to be something special.
Be the first to comment