“Proud of Myself”: Making Comeback After Deadly Injury, Mikaela Shiffrin Reflects on 8th Slalom Title

6 weeks of hiatus ensued from an unfortunate knee injury at the Cortina Downhill event. This was what Mikaela Shiffrin was known for until today. In January, when the 28-year-old pitched up to grace the slopes, little did she know what lay ahead. Coming off the ski before the finish line, the unmanageable slide resulted in netting. Ski patrollers took care of the situation and her healing journey started since.

Still facing difficulty in making her knee work at its full potential, the 2x Olympic gold medalist defied all odds at the Are, Sweden slalom event. At least that’s what her current position at the Audi FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup 2023/24 announces.

Mikaela Shiffrin takes pride in her comeback maneuver

In a post-race interview, the skiing GOAT expressed herself after vanquishing rivals at the Slalom event. She clinched her 8th slalom title and extended her career victories to 96. With a few races left to conclude this alpine skiing season, it’s a matter of four wins to hit the century mark. After her triumph today, she said, “Some nerves and all the emotions that I hoped to feel and I’m really proud of my whole team and for sure proud of myself to get back here and show the skiing. It’s one of my best skiing”. Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutic trailed behind with just 1.24s short of the winning time. Ljutic further edged out Switzerland’s Michelle Gisin, who sits in third. This win of Mikaela Shiffrin not only cemented her status as the ultimate GOAT but also equaled her with Ingemar Stenmark and Lindsey Vonn for the most World Cup wins in a single discipline.

Standing strong with innumerable World Cup slalom wins, the Olympian outclassed every man and woman in the entire alpine skiing history. Keeping herself off for more than six weeks, the 5x World Cup champion missed the previous 11 races. On a recovery journey now, how did she feel on her return?

Shiffrin’s recovery shone through

“Being back, it’s a pretty incredible feeling. Even with some pain, I can ski well right now”, she voiced on her first run completion. On January 26, the 28-year-old injured the MCL of her left knee, which came along with a bone bruise. After her injury, she entered the Are Slopes with just 3 practice sessions. Are also holds greater importance to her because she surpassed Stenmark’s record in the same venue last year.

“It’s been a race against time. I can only do what I can do”, said the one who had the fastest time in both runs. Eyeing the Olympics and the end of the 2023/24 World Cup, Shiffrin surely has a chance. “I would love to fight for the overall”. 

READ MORE: Concerned Mikaela Shiffrin Fans Praise the Olympian for ‘Quick Recovery’ Weeks After Major Setback