“It wasn’t just the injury. It was everything that came after it,” Mikaela Shiffrin said, pulling back the curtain on a side of her story that many didn’t see. After a life-altering crash in November 2024, just as she was about to secure her 100th World Cup victory in Killington, Vermont, Shiffrin found herself dealing with far more than physical trauma. When a gate clipped her mid-run, sending her crashing into the netting, it caused severe muscle trauma and a deep puncture wound. But the real blow? It triggered a mental battle she wasn’t expecting, reopening old wounds from the grief of losing her father.

In an emotional TODAY interview, Shiffrin got candid about her PTSD diagnosis, something that came into focus only as she started to return to the slopes. “I’ve always been pretty open and honest about how I’m feeling, so it kind of just flowed out naturally,” she shared, explaining how her mental health struggles surfaced during the World Championships. The weight of expectation—people wondering which races she’d take on was overwhelming, and it wasn’t long before Shiffrin realized her mind wasn’t letting her push past the mental barrier, even if her body was ready.

“I had a few sessions with my psychologist, and we actually diagnosed it. That helped me understand it a little better,” she said. It wasn’t just the physical injury—it was the mental disconnect that followed. “It was this mental mind-body disconnect after the injury, which I’d felt before after my dad passed away,” Mikaela Shiffrin explained.

The PTSD wasn’t only about the crash, it was about how everything from her past came rushing back. Still, she’s pushing through. “I’m still working through it, but I’m looking forward to the summer, getting more exposure, and keeping up with training. That seems to be the best way to work through it,” she said, hopeful about the road ahead.

Mikaela Shiffrin secured her 101st World Cup victory in March 2025, which marked more than just an athletic accomplishment but triumphing over mental obstacles.  But five years have elapsed since her father’s unexpected death yet she continues to bear the emotional burden. His tragic death in a home accident continues to haunt her and she has not fully recovered from his passing.

Mikaela Shiffrin’s emotional connection to her late father

A few days ago, Mikaela Shiffrin attended a World Cup finals party where musicians began performing the Paul Simon hit “You Can Call Me Al.” A single moment unveiled her tears. The song held special meaning to her father because it was his all-time favorite. The memories surge again in such moments. Jeff Shiffrin continues to stay in her thoughts all through the years that have passed. However, Jeff Shiffrin died from injuries following a head injury during an accident on February 2, 2020.

The tragic incident happened to him while he was staying at his residence in Edwards, Colorado. The complete account of the incident remained undisclosed. But his presence continues to guide Mikaela in multiple ways, including his coaching activities and his mentoring, and the support he offers her. Mikaela Shiffrin questioned herself during her 100th World Cup victory, “What would he think of all this?”

During races, her dad typically stayed behind the action yet managed to find the perfect viewing spot by climbing trees to support her. Alongside being her parent, he served as both her primary supporter and her training coach. Before the upcoming Olympic competition, Mikaela Shiffrin reveals, “I just wish I could ask him,”  about upcoming events. His death remains difficult to bear, but the valuable life skills and boundless love he imparted supported her to confront whatever future challenges arise.