Mikaela Shiffrin took to Instagram this week to share an update with her fans after the tough crash she experienced during the Killington giant slalom. She was clearly relieved to be home and recovering after the accident, which left her with a puncture wound in her abdomen and serious muscle trauma. Throughout the whole ordeal, she kept everyone in the loop, keeping things real and showing off her usual positive attitude.

It all went down last weekend while she was chasing her 100th World Cup win. Mikaela Shiffrin recorded the same first run time as before or even faster, but as she approached the finish line, she slipped and fell. One of her skis flew off as she fell down, ending up literally on the safety netting. Shortly after being down for several minutes, presumably from the sidekick, she was taken to a medical clinic for treatment. That is why in her Instagram video, Shiffrin said that she was very pleased to finally come home, to have some time to rest, and to sleep in her own bed. “I’m so excited to be home now and sleep in my own bed,” she said, showing a bit of humor despite the situation.

The first thought was that she might have damaged her colon, and then Shiffrin came out dismissing everyone’s worry. She went on further to point out that while it was not as bad as it could have been, it was no easy adventure. “Whatever stabbed in there did a little dancy dance inside my obliques and basically tore a cavern into my oblique muscles,” she said. The injury resulted in a breakdown of blood vessels, swelling, and a lot of pain. It is difficult to determine the exact time that she will return to snow or racing; she said this is another “ambiguous injury” without a fixed time for healing.

Reflecting on the crash a week later, Shiffrin shared more on Instagram, expressing how thankful she was that it wasn’t worse. “I’m incredibly thankful the crash wasn’t worse. It was damn close to piercing some organs that would have changed this situation entirely for the worse,” she wrote. She also took a moment to thank everyone who had been there for her—her team, the medical staff at Rutland Regional Medical Center and Vail Health, and, of course, the fans who sent their support.

Despite the crash, Shiffrin still felt good about her performance before the accident. She shared how excited she was about her skiing, especially in giant slalom, a discipline she’s struggled with in the past. “My GS skiing was the best it’s ever been on that track… That was the most excited I have been about my feeling in a GS race for a while,” she said. She also addressed the rumors about what caused the injury, mentioning the speculations around the “clean hill initiative” and some possible sources, but ultimately, she and her team think it was the tip of her ski pole that did the damage.

Finally, Mikaela Shiffrin took her time to reminisce on Killington, one of her favorite World Cup venues. “I sincerely hope it will [be back next year],” she wrote. “It’s absolutely one of my favorite World Cup venues, and I just want to thank all the volunteers and the organizing committee for all the work you do.” While she will not be competing in Beaver Creek this weekend, she still looks forward to watching her fellow racers and what will surely be a historic event for the women’s circuit. And of course, what about her fans? They have been great throughout all this, with loads of love and encouraging words.

Fans send love and support for Mikaela Shiffrin’s recovery

One fan commented, “Daaaaaaaamn! That looks painful as hell! You are a warrior! I hope every day is better for you @mikaelashiffrin – we all look forward to your triumphant return, but not until you feel 💯.” Another added, “Ouch. You are amazing. You heal up and can’t wait to see you on the skis again.”It’s clear from these heartfelt messages that Mikaela Shiffrin’s fans see her as a true warrior, especially considering this isn’t the first time she’s faced such challenges.

Back in January,

One fan nailed it, saying, “🙌 🎩 a champion is always a champion,” while another chimed in, “Daaaaaaaamn! That looks painful as hell! You are a warrior! I hope every day is better for you @mikaelashiffrin – we all look forward to your triumphant return, but not until you feel 💯.” Honestly, fans all around the world are supporting Mikaela, and it is apparent just how much she motivates people in and out of the snow.

Before her recent misfortune, Mikaela Shiffrin was absolutely on fire. On November 23, she shone at the Gurgl slalom, where she got her 99th World Cup triumph and held the first position in the 2024/25 FIS World Cup rankings. She was 0.13 behind after one run, but as always, she had no giveaways in the second run and won by 0.55 secs. At the same time, Lara Colturi of Albania and Camille Rast of Switzerland achieved personal results by getting their maiden World Cup podiums. Wendy Holdener, who has been closely chasing Shiffrin, faltered several times and was unable to maintain that form. This was the 62nd slalom triumph of the talented American skier, who once again triumphed right after the meet in Levi, Finland. Of course, the search for her 100th win is on hold now, but with Mikaela, you know that it is only a matter of time before she is back on the court, dominating and soaring high and making it look like child’s play again.

One fan expressed, “more warrior scars… praying for. Speedy recovery. Please take the time your body needs to heal!! Plenty of time left for you champ ❤️🇺🇸🙏🏻” Another added, “We love you Mikaela, your health comes first always, speedy recovery ❤️🫂🇮🇱” with so much love she has to get back!” With so many heartfelt messages like these, it’s no surprise that Mikaela Shiffrin has the strength and motivation to heal and come back stronger than ever. She’s not just a champion on the slopes but in the hearts of her fans around the world.