> At a Glance
> – Mikaela Shiffrin questioned returning to giant slalom after a November 2024 crash left her with a 5-centimeter abdominal puncture
> – The winningest alpine skier ever now eyes Milan 2026 medals next month
> – United Airlines partnership eases global travel with free ski/boot checked bag
> – Why it matters: Her recovery path shows how elite athletes balance injury, rankings, and Olympic dreams
One month before the Milan Winter Olympics, Mikaela Shiffrin tells News Of Los Angeles how a brutal crash almost ended her giant-slalom career-and how she fought back.
The Crash That Changed Everything
Shiffrin’s November 2024 giant-slalom crash delivered a 5-centimeter-deep wound just 1 millimeter from her colon. The impact froze her World Cup points, pushing her to the brink of dropping out of the top 30 GS rankings.
> “I don’t know that I have it in me to work all the way back from that place again,”
> Mikaela Shiffrin told News Of Los Angeles.
Without top-30 status, skiers start late and face tougher snow conditions-an uphill battle Shiffrin nearly chose to skip.
Points, Pods, and Comebacks
The World Cup system adds pressure:
- Injured athletes can freeze points, keeping bib numbers
- Once un-frozen, they must immediately score to protect ranking
- A second injury can erase years of standings
Shiffrin returned to slalom only after her January 2024 MCL sprain, skipping GS entirely. After the November crash, she feared history would repeat.
| Season | Injury | GS Races Missed | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | MCL sprain | End of season | Skipped GS |
| 2025 | Abdominal puncture | Multiple | Rankings risk |
Flying to the Finish Line
Since returning, Shiffrin has:
- 5th place in Kranjska Gora on Jan. 3
- Six straight slalom wins to open the season
- 106 career World Cup victories
Her MileagePlus status with United Airlines ships boots and skis as one free bag, easing global travel for crucial points races.
> “Medals are on my mind… I’m trying to just ride the wave,”
> she says of Milan 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Shiffrin nearly quit GS after her November 2024 crash
- World Cup point rules forced an immediate comeback
- She’s undefeated in slalom this season
- United Airlines partnership simplifies travel logistics
- Next stop: Milan Olympics with podium hopes intact
