Mikaela Shiffrin made her highly anticipated return to the World Cup skiing circuit, finishing 10th in the slalom race held on January 30, 2025, at Courchevel, France. This appearance followed her recovery from significant abdominal surgery after she sustained injuries during a crash at the Killington giant slalom event on November 30, 2024. Despite the challenging circumstances, Shiffrin’s participation is more than just about results; it marks an important step in her recovery.
The race was won by 21-year-old Croatian racer Zrinka Ljutic, who showcased remarkable form by clocking the fastest two-run time of 1:45.06. She led the competition by 1.26 seconds over Sweden’s Sara Hector and 1.28 seconds over Germany’s Lena Duerr, establishing herself as one of the top competitors this season. Shiffrin, chasing her 100th World Cup victory—a milestone unmatched by any other skier—completed the course 2.04 seconds behind Ljutic.
Shiffrin entered the Stade Emile Allais course intent on regaining her competitive edge, though she was aware of the steep mountain she had to climb. "I didn't come to this race expecting to win," Shiffrin said after the race. "I have to be at my top, top level. Now we build from here." This mindset reflects Shiffrin’s commitment to recovery as her primary objective, rather than focusing solely on her win count.
This comeback follows Shiffrin’s serious injury, which required abdominal surgery to address trauma caused by the puncturing impact during her fall. Two weeks post-surgery, she returned to training, gradually regaining her strength. "It was very important to see how I'm stacking up with the top skiers... and what I can work on to improve my skiing," she noted, emphasizing her desire to assess her competitive standing prior to the upcoming World Championships.
Shiffrin's performance at Courchevel was nothing short of commendable, considering her injury layoff. She finished the first run strong, placing fifth but stumbled during her second run. "I want to watch the video from the first run... my timing or rhythm was missing," she reflected, acknowledging the hurdles she must overcome as she strives for optimal performance. Despite finishing lower than her usual standards, Shiffrin’s presence alone garnered support from both fans and fellow competitors, which she deeply appreciated.
The significance of Courchevel extends beyond this race for Shiffrin. The region is where she gained her first victory following her father's tragic death, and this connection only adds emotional weight to her return. "It’s pretty beautiful I’m able to make this return here,” Shiffrin said, reflecting on the meaningful ties she has with the location.
Shiffrin’s focus is now set on the FIS World Championships scheduled to take place next month at Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, where she will compete in both giant slalom and slalom events. "For sure, I want to target the GS and slalom, and everything really depends on the next 10 days until those races, how it goes with training," she stated. Her statement highlights the preparation required for elite-level competition after such serious setbacks and demonstrates her intrinsic drive to compete among the best.
The path hasn't been easy for Shiffrin, who admitted to doubting whether returning to racing this season would be viable. "Even if I could take on [the physical challenge], could I take it on mentally?" she contemplated before the race, illustrating the mental fortitude required to return to competitive sports after such trauma.
With 99 World Cup wins to her name, Shiffrin is close to breaking the 100-win barrier, something no other athlete has yet achieved. She has won 62 of those victories in slalom, and she needs to earn podium finishes to equally match Swedish skier’s phenomenal record of 155 career podiums. "It felt challenging and the top women are skiing amazing," Shiffrin acknowledged, graciously paying tribute to the competitive field she aims to surpass as she re-enters the world of professional skiing.
MUCH is at stake as she continues to navigate this comeback. Shiffrin cupped her hands and waved to the crowd after her second run, signaling her eagerness to be back on the slopes, even if she wasn’t at the peak of her abilities just yet. Still, the collective spirit among athletes—both supporters and rivals—has propelled her forward. "That literally made my day. Every time," she said of the support she received from fellow racers. This sentiment reflects the camaraderie within the skiing community and her willingness to thrive within it.
Although Shiffrin didn’t achieve the outcomes she had hoped for at Courchevel, she is reclaiming her narrative one race at a time. The strategy is clear: maintain focus, keep recovering, and keep building on the successes yet to come.