Despite Stellar Run, Mikaela Shiffrin’s Injury Holds Her Back at Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24

As the 58th season of the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup is here, it welcomed the GOAT Mikaela Shiffrin. The alpine skiing legend had clinched her 75th World Cup win at Levi last year. Appearing for her 100th career win run and the 89th World cup win, the 28-year-old had girded up well. But this year, the dream looks far-fetched.

After a shaky Giant Slalom 6th finish on October 28, the queen of slopes came under the mystic northern lights. Little did she know, her competitors had stronger games in store. Till a point, it was her game, until a worthy contender snatched it. Not to forget, her ‘bone bruise’ could have been an obstacle this time.

Mikaela Shiffrin lost her gold

According to the current standings, Shiffrin stands below the German skier Lena Durr. Though the five-time all-around World Cup winner outshone everybody in the beginning, she lost the podium to her worthy rivals. Last year, winning against Sweden’s Anna Swenn Larsson and slalom defending champion Petra Vlhová was a matter of pride to her.

But this year, the same can’t be said. Before the women’s event took place last year, the skiers had to go through rough weather conditions. As a result, delays and a rise up in anxiety levels left the skiing world worried. But later, having a pleasant weather during the event was a relief.

Last year, the skiing team had mindfully decided to take it slow. 10 days before the slalom event in Levi, the then 27-year-old Olympian made her Finnish entry. Hence, planning and understanding the trail was easy for her. But right before she could root for her 100th career win this time, a mishap put her down.

Mikaela Shiffrin’s bone bruise

Though the Olympian had acknowledged slalom as a heartwarming discipline, she tumbled. Hours before the November 11 event, Shiffrin faced a setback. Resorting to her Instagram handle, she posted, “So excited to race this weekend! Slalom is good for the soul …Unfortunately, I had a wee tumble last week and took a fair amount of impact through my left knee. But I’m lucky (and so very grateful) to have come away with a bone bruise but no other major damage! We’ve been taking it easy and strategically building back into load, skiing, and finally, some gates…and I’m feeling quite good now, just in time for the weekend.”

Though her minor bone bruise was getting better, it may not have gotten completely healed. Otherwise, the slalom queen would have slayed the slopes like always. Though she takes one step at a time and doesn’t push herself, she may have not pushed her limits this time as well. Moreover, the skiing world expects a quick recovery of the legend.

READ MORE: “Scary”: Recently Injured, Mikaela Shiffrin Pens Heartfelt Note Days Before Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24

As she lost her second opportunity to win her 89th World Cup win and 100th career win, the game isn’t over yet. She has a stronger plan for the upcoming game days.

Watch this story:  7x Skiing World Champion Mikaela Shiffrin’s Intense Workout Routine Challenges Michael B. Jordan’s ‘Creed’ Physique