CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Mikaela Shiffrin is set to take her place at the start gate of the Olympic slalom on Wednesday, entering as the favorite for gold. This comes after a significant achievement during Sunday’s giant slalom, where Shiffrin finished 11th, a result that felt like a victory for her given her tumultuous journey back to the slopes.
Although Shiffrin, the 2018 Olympic gold medalist in giant slalom and the record holder for World Cup wins, was not anticipated to medal in this event, her performance marked an encouraging step forward. Just a year prior, after battling through a severe injury and an extended recovery process, she was uncertain if she would compete in giant slalom again. Reflecting on her improvement, she remarked, “To be here now, just in touch with the fastest women, that’s huge for me.”
Shiffrin’s journey took a drastic turn 15 months ago when a crash during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont, resulted in a serious abdominal injury. This harrowing experience not only tested her physical strength but also her mental resilience. She openly shared her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder in the aftermath of the incident, describing a disconnection between her mind and body akin to the “twisties” gymnasts experience.
Through therapy and a shift in perspective, Shiffrin began to re-establish this crucial connection. “When I stopped caring about times, podiums, or medals, fear began to loosen its grip,” she said, highlighting her transformation leading into the Olympic Games.
As she prepares for the Olympic slalom, Shiffrin is reminded of her complex relationship with the Olympics. Her prior successes, including becoming the youngest slalom champion at 18 during the Sochi Games, are overshadowed by struggles in the aftermath of her earlier Olympic experiences, particularly in Beijing where she left without a medal despite high expectations.
“This time, I’m heading into my final race with more knowledge of what it takes to ski fast on this course, and with a new mentality,” she said, revealing that her recent training sessions have instilled a sense of confidence and clarity. Shiffrin’s focus is not solely on winning gold; it encompasses handling the pressure differently than in previous competitions.
Wednesday’s slalom will be a crucial test where she will need to fully trust both her instincts and skills. With a fruitful season behind her, including seven wins out of eight starts in slalom, Shiffrin is poised to shine. The hopes for a medal may be heavy, but so is the potential for a triumphant return to form that could mark a remarkable chapter in her illustrious career.