Photo: Joseph Prezioso/Getty Images

Mikaela Shiffrin Sidelined After Scary Killington Crash

Originally posted on Powder | By Ian Greenwood | Last updated Dec 2, 2024 3:36 PM ET

This past Saturday, American alpine racer Mikaela Shiffrin was sidelined from the World Cup after crashing and injuring herself during a giant slalom competition in Killington, Vermont.

Shiffrin, who suffered a puncture wound and severe muscle trauma during the crash, didn’t compete the following day during the Killington slalom event.

The planned length of Shiffrin’s break from competitive alpine racing isn’t yet clear. However, in a recent conversation with NBC Sports, she said that it was likely she would not be able to race at the next women’s World Cup event in Beaver Creek, Colorado, which is about two weeks from now.

One day after her crash, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team shared an update on Shiffrin’s condition, noting, "Her return to snow is TBD, and more information will be forthcoming.” They also wrote that her bones and internal organs looked okay.

Shiffrin was in the lead after her first giant slalom run on Saturday. During her second run, she lost control of her edges as she rounded a gate. She ejected from one of her skis and barreled through two gates, coming to rest alongside the protective netting that surrounded the race course. Several tense moments passed. Then, Shiffrin was removed from the course and taken to a hospital.

Shiffrin described the crash and her injuries during the NBC Sports interview.

Ahead of the fall, she said she was “purposely trying to run the most aggressive line I could.” The puncture in Shiffrin’s right abdomen, she said, was similar to a “stab wound.” She isn’t sure what caused the puncture, but she believes it might have resulted from one of the gates she collided with.

"It’s a really weird injury,” she added, laughing.

The crash prevented Shiffrin from securing her 100th win, an accolade that would’ve joined her already stacked alpine racing resume that includes being the winningest alpine racer of all time. Shiffrin took her 99th victory in Gurgl, Austria, on November 23rd.

Despite what could've been intense pressure ahead of the Stifel Killington Cup, Shiffrin didn’t seem too stressed about a prospective 100th victory.

“I don’t personally care about winning 100, but I do think it’s a monumental moment in the sport,” she told the Associated Press.

On Sunday, while Shiffrin rested, Switzerland’s Camille Rast claimed her first World Cup victory during the Killington slalom event. The day prior, in giant slalom, Norway’s Sara Hector took top marks.

Be the first to read breaking ski news with POWDER. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. From ski resort news to profiles of the world’s best skiers, we are committed to keeping you informed.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: