As Mikaela Shiffrin Suffers Surgery, Michael Phelps Joins Fans in Skiing Legend’s Recovery

The world of elite sports demands more than physical prowess—it tests the mind and spirit equally. For athletes such as Mikaela Shiffrin and Michael Phelps, the mental challenges usually match the physical ones. Sometimes even surpassing them, but mental health is equally important. Shiffrin’s story reveals how mental health is correlated with physical health as she undergoes surgery.

Both Shiffrin and Phelps have always raised awareness of the significance of mental resilience. And have revealed the little-known difficulties that go hand in hand with successful careers. Now, as Shiffrin faces one of the toughest phases of her career. The two strengthen their mental fitness by moving forward through difficulties.

Mikaela Shiffrin gets Michael Phelps’ support

It is tough to face injuries when you have your goals in front of you, and you can just lose them anytime. Mikaela Shiffrin has always survived her injuries and fought like a warrior. And the same way she is dealing with this time too. She has just had her surgery done on her lower abdomen and is thankful to each and every person who has taken care of her. Shiffrin posted a video on her Instagram about the update after her surgery as she prepared to go home. Caption?

Shiffrin captioned the video, “Curveball…😅 Had a little unexpected surgery on Thursday evening after feeling a bit under the weather. Turns out I had a little cavity deeper than the wound tract that was filled with old hematoma and wasn’t properly draining with a wound vac or normal packing…so we went in to wash it out and close it with sutures and a little JP drain to keep the drainage flowing.” The video is likely filmed by her fiance Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. 

Shiffrin’s fans are rooting for her, and sending love and strength through their comments, as one fan wrote, “Get well soon Miki! We’re sending you so many healing vibes and so much love!! ❤️.” With all the love from her fans, she got a message from Michael Phelps also, he wrote, “Sending strength!! for a fast recovery!” What has happened to Shiffrin, what is this surgery all about?

Let’s rewind: on November 30, Mikaela Shiffrin was supposed to record her 100th World Cup victory at Killington Vermont, but it took an unexpected turn. When she was close to finishing the line, she caught an inside edge, and as she leaned too much, her skis slipped over her head. And then, the skiing ace slammed into the gates before crashing into the fencing. But thankfully she survived the broken bones or any major injuries, yet suffered a wound to the lower right abdomen. 

Sports injuries often take a toll on mental health

Mikaela Shiffrin’s skiing career has always been a testament to her resilience, but her recent season-ending injury and surgery highlight the toll such setbacks can take on an athlete’s mental health. As Shiffrin faces the possibility of losing her 2025 season, the psychological impact cannot be understated. Navigating this challenging phase requires not only physical recovery but also a strong focus on mental well-being. An area that many top athletes have increasingly brought into public conversation.

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, has been a vocal advocate for addressing mental health in sports. Phelps openly discussed his post-Olympic struggles, revealing how the transition from the adrenaline of competition to the stillness of everyday life left him. In an interview with NBC News, Phelps shed light on his depression post-2004 and 2008 Olympics, he expressed, “I would say probably 2004. 2004 was my first taste of post-Olympic depression, you know, coming off such a high.” 

Phelps further added, “It’s basically… you get to like the edge of a cliff, like ‘Cool now what? Oh, I guess I’ve got to wait four more years to have the chance to do it again.’” 2008 was another setback, “2008 was my second taste of post-Olympic depression because coming off that high after doing something you set out to do your entire life.”

As Shiffrin embarks on her road to recovery, she joins a growing community of athletes who have highlighted the critical role mental health plays in sustaining long-term success. Drawing from Phelps’ candid discussions, Shiffrin’s journey could further amplify the dialogue about the pressures athletes face, especially during periods of physical and emotional vulnerability.