Mikaela Shiffrin is set to make her highly anticipated return to the World Cup circuit this Thursday, January 30th, in the night slalom of the Emile-Allais Stade in Courchevel, France.
This marks her return after a serious fall in Killington, Vermont, on November 30th, during which she clashed with nets and suffered injuries to her abdomen and right hip. Despite the initial uncertainty surrounding her recovery, Shiffrin, the seven-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has been diligently rehabilitating and is now deemed fit to compete.
The American ski and snowboard federation shared her comeback announcement on X, expressing both joy and relief. Shiffrin herself admitted to a three-inch deep cut wound in her stomach muscles sustained during the fall, compelling a small surgery in December.
After months of recovery, she confirmed her readiness to return, stating, “The healing process is not over yet, but I feel strong enough to compete. I have no more pains, my muscles work. Physically I’m fine.” This comeback moment holds particular significance as Shiffrin has faced double injury setbacks between January and November 2024, including a prior incident in Cortina d’Ampezzo. However, she demonstrated resilience by returning towards the end of the previous season, winning the slalom in Are and Saalbach.
Courchevel appears to be an ideal location for Shiffrin’s return. The French resort holds fond memories for her, as she has celebrated seven victories there, including consecutive giant and parallel slalom wins in 2017 and a further giant slalom and slalom victory in 2018.
All eyes will be on Shiffrin as she resumes her journey on the World Cup slopes, aiming to reclaim her position at the top of the sport and pursue her 100th victory.