Mikaela Shiffrin fans, assemble! The star skier made her much-anticipated return to Courchevel, France. She placed 10th on January 30 and was behind Zrinka Ljutic by 2.04 seconds. While not a podium finish, her presence alone sent a message—she’s still in the fight. However, with the World Championships on the horizon, Shiffrin has made a tough call at a heavy cost.

In an Instagram update on Tuesday, Mikaela Shiffrin announced she will skip the team combined event in Austria to conserve her energy for the giant slalom and slalom races. She wrote, prioritizing her road back to full strength, “…..I need to keep my energy focused on preparing for the giant slalom and slalom races during World Championships, and will not be able to participate in the Team Combined.” Although heartbreaking for her fans, they have her slalom comeback to look forward to.

The injury in question occurred on November 30, 2024, during a World Cup giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont. The injury was the stuff of nightmares. “I got impaled back in November, and I had about a seven-centimeter deep puncture wound, or stab wound, into my obliques,” shared the 29-year-old on the Today Show in Jan this year. The crash halted her pursuit of a landmark 100th World Cup victory, necessitating a deliberate and cautious rehabilitation process. It was also a huge blow to alpine skiing fans looking forward to a Shiffrin-Vonn collab. But what sets Mikaela Shiffrin apart is a mindset like none other. During trying times, it is her best asset.

Before her slalom event on January 30, Shiffrin reinforced her winning mindset “This is a step. This is a really big step in my recovery. But it’s only one step, actually. We’re taking it as it comes. My biggest goal is to enjoy being back in the start gate again,” she said, revealing her broader perspective. While many would have their eyes locked on the century mark of career wins, Shiffrin is playing it smarter.

Yet, beyond her individual goals, the impact of her absence was felt elsewhere. Vonn, making her dramatic return from retirement, had openly spoken about the possibility of teaming up with Shiffrin for the event. “If there’s a chance to compete with her, I would absolutely compete with her… 181 World Cup victories on one team!” Vonn had said on February 3 before Mikaela’s post. The idea of two titans uniting for a downhill slalom showdown was enough to ignite the imaginations of ski racing fans. However, dreams don’t always align with reality, and Shiffrin’s withdrawal meant that this chapter would remain unwritten—for now.

The 99-time World Cup winner’s legacy is built on dominance in slalom and giant slalom, and those are the races where she knows she must be at her sharpest. If that comes with a cost, then so be it! And her fans seem to be supporting her decision.

Mikaela Shiffrin’s fans lend their unrelenting support

Accolades aside, the Colorado native’s illustrious career has earned her fans who love and admire Shiffrin unconditionally. They were nothing but supportive of her decision to skip the Team Combined. The comments on her Instagram post testify to the affection and respect the 29-year-old has earned for herself.

One fan summed up the collective sentiment: “You (and only you) know(s) what’s best for you!! ❤ Can’t wait to cheer you on! The fact that you have managed to put yourself in a position where you can start in those two races is a huge victory in and of itself!” The comment speaks volumes about the faith the fans have in Mikaela Shiffrin. They know, come what may, she won’t let them down. “Love your focus. Just to be back for the Worlds is an accomplishment. You have nothing to prove. Have fun!”, chimed in yet another. The queen is already at the zenith with 99 World Cup wins and 2 Olympic golds—now her only competition is herself. Thus, right now she only needs to focus on recovery.

Another fan shared a more personal note: “You’re my inspiration since I remember 🫶🏻🫶🏻.” It’s the kind of support that goes beyond sports, showcasing how Shiffrin’s relentless pursuit of excellence resonates with people at a personal level. “Above all, you are an amazing athlete & person. Smooth & steady. No rush,” commented yet another. Her true admirers are ready to wait for the Olympic champion’s comeback. After all, the long game has always been Shiffrin’s forte, and fans who have followed her career closely understand that this is part of a much larger journey.

However, our favorite comment among them all has to be the one that just reiterated what a living and breathing wonder Mikaela Shiffrin is. “GOAT”—that is all; that is the comment! Simple, but so true! When she joins the triple-digit FIS World Cup group, she will become the first male or female alpine skier to do so. Moreover, the G.O.A.T.’s fans know it is only a matter of time before she makes her spectacular comeback and achieves another milestone, “Take your time…which is usually pretty quick 😂.” Well, we sure hope for the same and wish to see this skiing sensation claim her 100th victory super soon!