Mikaela Shiffrin has been grappling with the aftermath of a severe crash in Vermont. The incident, which happened two months ago, has left her with more than just physical injuries. She's been dealing with something more profound—mental obstacles.

Her decision to pull out of the giant slalom at the FIS World Championships in Austria is a testament to this. Shiffrin, known for her incredible skiing prowess, admitted she's been struggling with PTSD. This mental battle has been more challenging than the physical recovery from her injuries. She suffered a severe abdomen wound and some serious muscle trauma during the crash.

Shiffrin didn't expect the mental toll to be so heavy. She thought her love for the sport would push her through, but it's just not that simple. She described the fear of returning to the giant slalom as soul-crushing. The event she once loved has become a source of fear.

The skier, who is 29 and from Colorado, has always tackled challenges head-on. She returned to racing recently at Courchevel, France, where she finished in 10th place. Shiffrin was hoping for her 100th career World Cup win, but it just wasn't meant to be this time around.

Her withdrawal from the giant slalom at the World Championships has also been influenced by safety concerns. The slalom event is considered safer due to the slower speeds involved. This decision has allowed Shiffrin to focus on the women’s team combined event in Saalbach. She will be teaming up with Breezy Johnson, where Shiffrin will handle the slalom portion, while Johnson takes on the downhill. The combined event is scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Shiffrin made it clear that the withdrawal is not a sign of giving up. She plans to keep working towards regaining her form. She will also compete in the women’s slalom race on Saturday, which is considered safer than the giant slalom due to slower speeds. She knows it's a process, and it will take time. But she's determined to get back to her best.

The ski racing world has always been about pushing boundaries. The mental game is often as crucial as the physical. Shiffrin's journey highlights how tough it can be to overcome mental barriers in sports. The physical recovery might be straightforward, but the mental recovery is a journey filled with ups and downs. This is especially true for someone who has faced such a traumatic event.

She has a strong support system, and her teammates have been there for her. One even advised her to keep trying, which is exactly what she plans to do. Shiffrin has faced steep slopes before, and she knows how to navigate them. This is just another challenge in her career, and she will overcome it. She is more than just a skier—she is a symbol of resilience and determination.

Mikaela Shiffrin Faces Mental Hurdles After Serious Ski Crash

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