Mikaela Shiffrin Suffers Abdominal Puncture in Giant Slalom Crash
In a terrifying crash during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont, Mikaela Shiffrin suffered a deep puncture wound on the right side of her abdomen and severe muscle trauma. Despite the severity of the crash, there was no serious bone, ligament, or organ damage reported.
Details of the Accident
Shiffrin, a five-time overall World Cup champion, was in pursuit of her 100th World Cup win when the incident occurred. Leading after the first run of the giant slalom race, Shiffrin leaned into the hill during her second run, lost control, and collided with a gate before flipping head over skis and coming to a stop in the protective fencing.
The 29-year-old skier remained down on the course for an extended period, requesting a sled to transport her down as she was unable to move and concerned about potential internal organ trauma.
Medical Evaluation and Team Statement
Following the crash, Shiffrin was transported by ambulance to a medical center for evaluation. Doctors confirmed that she did not sustain ligament damage and that her bones and internal organs appeared to be unharmed. However, she was diagnosed with severe muscle trauma and a deep puncture wound on her abdomen, which did not receive stitches due to the risk of infection.
The U.S. Ski Team released a statement indicating that there is currently no timeline for Shiffrin’s return to racing, and she was unable to participate in the subsequent Killington Cup slalom race.
Shiffrin’s Injury History and Recovery
Throughout her career, Shiffrin has faced and recovered from previous on-hill injuries, including a torn medial collateral ligament and bone bruising in her right knee in December 2015 and a sprained MCL and tibiofibular ligament in her left knee in January 2024. Despite these setbacks, Shiffrin did not require surgery for either injury and returned to competition within two months each time.
Due to the effects of the recent crash, Shiffrin was unable to attend the slalom race on Sunday, a discipline she has historically dominated. The U.S. Ski Team confirmed that she remains a vocal supporter of her teammates, cheering from her location in Killington despite her physical limitations.
As Shiffrin focuses on her recovery and rehabilitation, fans and fellow athletes alike are hopeful for her swift return to the slopes, anticipating her future successes in the world of alpine skiing.
