During the giant slalom race at Killington Cup, Mikaela Shiffrin experienced a frightening crash resulting in a deep puncture wound on her abdomen and severe muscle trauma. Fortunately, there was no significant bone, ligament, or organ damage reported.
Shiffrin, a five-time overall World Cup champion, will be unable to participate in the upcoming slalom race due to her injuries. The U.S. Ski Team confirmed that there is currently no set timeline for her return to competitive skiing.
The incident occurred while Shiffrin was leading the GS race after the first run, aiming for her 100th World Cup win. In a dramatic turn of events during her second run, she lost control, collided with a gate, and tumbled down the slope before coming to a stop in the protective fencing.
Following the crash, Shiffrin remained on the course, requesting assistance due to her inability to move and concerns about potential internal injuries. Medical professionals evaluated her condition and determined that there was no ligament damage, and her bones and internal organs appeared to be unharmed.
Despite the severity of her injuries, Shiffrin did not require stitches for the puncture wound on her abdomen to avoid the risk of infection. This is not the first time Shiffrin has faced on-hill injuries, having previously recovered from knee injuries without requiring surgery.
Due to the crash, Shiffrin will not be present at the upcoming slalom race, an event she has historically excelled in, winning six out of seven times she competed at Killington. Despite her absence, she remains a supportive presence for her teammates, cheering them on from her location in Killington.
Shiffrin's fans and the skiing community are eagerly awaiting her recovery and eventual return to the slopes, as she continues to inspire with her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
For more updates on skiing and alpine sports, visit AP Skiing.
