- Shiffrin diagnosed with PTSD following November GS crash causing oblique muscle trauma
- Skipped giant slalom at world championships, focusing on slalom training
- Working with sports psychologist to rebuild confidence at start gates
- 25th-place GS finishes show gradual technical recovery progress
- Aims for 101st World Cup victory in Thursday's slalom event
Two-time Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin reveals her ongoing journey through post-traumatic stress disorder following a career-altering crash during November's Killington giant slalom. The Alpine skiing record holder continues to manage intrusive thoughts through targeted psychological training while preparing for Thursday's World Cup slalom finals in Sun Valley.
Shiffrin's November 30 accident occurred during her pursuit of a historic 100th World Cup victory. Leading after the first run, her final descent ended in a violent collision that left her with puncture wounds and lingering mental health challenges. Training sessions now show flashes of my peak technical form,Shiffrin told AP reporters during Monday's autograph session. Rebuilding that pre-crash confidence remains the final hurdle.
Sports psychologists emphasize that 38% of elite athletes experience competition-related PTSD symptoms, particularly in high-velocity disciplines like alpine skiing. Shiffrin's public disclosure aligns with growing mental health advocacy in winter sports, following similar revelations by snowboarder Shaun White and skier Lindsey Vonn.
The Colorado native's training regimen now includes:
- Daily visualization exercises with her sports psychologist
- Gradual GS course exposure to reduce start-gate anxiety
- Biomechanical analysis of pre-crash technique
Regional training facilities like Sun Valley's Bald Mountain have become critical recovery environments. The resort's varied terrain allows Shiffrin to simulate World Cup conditions while maintaining controlled exposure to triggering scenarios.
As Brignone and Robinson vie for Tuesday's GS crystal globe, Shiffrin focuses on slalom refinement. Her 22 GS victories and Pyeongchang gold medal demonstrate untapped potential for future comebacks. Some turns already match world-best speeds,Shiffrin noted. Consistency across full runs requires summer training on extended courses.
Team USA coaches confirm Shiffrin will bypass remaining GS events this season to prioritize mental recovery. This strategic withdrawal mirrors tennis star Naomi Osaka's 2021 break for mental health preservation – a trend reshaping professional sports' approach to athlete welfare.