Mikaela Shiffrin Withdraws from Giant Slalom at 2025 World Alpine Ski Best Championships
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Mikaela Shiffrin Skips Giant Slalom Title Defense from 2023, Cites Mental Challenges; Lindsey Vonn Joins AJ Hurt at 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships
Mikaela Shiffrin Skips Giant Slalom at 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships, Joins Team Combined with Breezy Johnson
Mikaela Shiffrin has made a last-minute change to her schedule for the 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships in Saalbach, Austria.
The seven-time world champion announced on February 10 that she will not defend her giant slalom title, skipping the event set for February 13.
“The long-story-short is…I’m not there,” Shiffrin shared on social media. “Right now, I feel quite far away. I’m currently working through some mental obstacles to return to the GS start with the intensity required for racing.”
Instead of competing in the giant slalom, the double Olympic champion has opted to join the new Team Combined event on February 11, partnering with downhill world champion Breezy Johnson.
“Breezy and I have been racing together since we were 11. We were at Whistler Cup and Topolino together,” Shiffrin wrote. “We’ve been roommates, competitors, friends.”
What is the New Team Combined Event?
Making its World Championship debut and set to feature at Milano Cortina 2026, the Team Combined event pairs a speed specialist and a technical skier, competing in one downhill run and one slalom. The team with the fastest combined time wins gold.
For Team USA, the competing pairs include:
- Lindsey Vonn & AJ Hurt
- Lauren Macuga & Paula Moltzan (Super-G bronze medalist)
- Jackie Wiles & Katie Hansien
With Mikaela Shiffrin skipping the giant slalom at the 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships, all eyes will be on her performance in the Team Combined event alongside Breezy Johnson.
Shiffrin Prioritizes Mental and Physical Recovery
Mikaela Shiffrin has officially withdrawn from the giant slalom event at the 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships in Saalbach, Austria. This decision follows her traumatic crash in November 2024, which resulted in significant injuries and ongoing mental challenges. Shiffrin recently shared that she has been experiencing symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), impacting her readiness to compete in high-speed events like the giant slalom.
A Strategic Shift: Teaming Up with Breezy Johnson
Instead of competing in the giant slalom, Shiffrin has opted to participate in the newly introduced Team Combination event. This unique format pairs one skier for the downhill segment and another for the slalom portion. Shiffrin, known for her slalom dominance, will take on that leg of the event, while Breezy Johnson, fresh off her gold medal victory in the women’s downhill, will handle the speed segment.
Lindsey Vonn’s Return and Changes to the Lineup
Initially, there was speculation that Shiffrin would team up with Lindsey Vonn, who recently returned from retirement. However, with Shiffrin’s withdrawal from giant slalom, Vonn will now partner with AJ Hurt for the Team Combination event.
What This Means for Shiffrin’s Future
Shiffrin’s decision highlights the growing emphasis on mental health in professional sports. While she steps back from the giant slalom, her participation in the Team Combination event shows her strategic adaptability. Fans remain hopeful for her full return in upcoming competitions.
For the latest updates on Mikaela Shiffrin’s recovery and skiing news, stay tuned to expert insights and event results.
Shiffrin’s Withdrawal: A Difficult but Necessary Decision
Mikaela Shiffrin, one of the most decorated alpine skiers in history, has announced her withdrawal from the giant slalom event at the 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships in Saalbach, Austria. The decision comes after her serious crash in November 2024, which left her with significant muscle trauma and a puncture wound. While she has since recovered physically, Shiffrin has openly shared that she continues to face mental challenges, including PTSD-like symptoms, which have impacted her training and race performance.
A Shift in Focus: Teaming Up with Breezy Johnson
FAQs :
Why is Mikaela Shiffrin skipping the giant slalom at the 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships?
Mikaela Shiffrin announced on February 10 that she will not defend her giant slalom (GS) title at the 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships in Saalbach, Austria, citing mental challenges that prevent her from competing at the required intensity.
What event will Mikaela Shiffrin compete in instead of giant slalom?
Shiffrin has opted to compete in the Team Combined event on February 11, where she will race alongside Breezy Johnson, the newly crowned downhill world champion.
What is the Team Combined event in Alpine skiing?
The Team Combined event is a new format making its senior World Championship debut. It pairs a speed specialist and a technical skier, who compete in one downhill run and one slalom. The team with the lowest combined time wins gold.
Who are the USA competitors in the Team Combined event?
The U.S. Team Combined pairs include:
Mikaela Shiffrin & Breezy Johnson
Lindsey Vonn & AJ Hurt
Lauren Macuga & Paula Moltzan
Jackie Wiles & Katie Hansien
When and where is the 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships?
The 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships take place in Saalbach, Austria, from February 4 to February 16, 2025.
Will Mikaela Shiffrin compete in other events at the 2025 World Championships?
As of now, Shiffrin has only confirmed her participation in the Team Combined event. It is unclear if she will compete in other disciplines.
Is Mikaela Shiffrin expected to return for the giant slalom in future competitions?
Shiffrin has not ruled out future giant slalom (GS) races, stating that she is working through mental obstacles and hopes to regain the intensity needed to compete at her best.
Conclusion
Mikaela Shiffrin has withdrawn from the giant slalom event at the 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships in Saalbach, Austria, citing ongoing mental challenges following a significant crash in November 2024. In her announcement, Shiffrin revealed she is experiencing symptoms akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the accident, which resulted in a puncture wound and severe muscle trauma. Despite her efforts to prepare, she feels she is not yet ready to compete in the giant slalom.
Instead, Shiffrin has chosen to participate in the newly introduced Team Combination event, partnering with Breezy Johnson, who recently secured the women’s downhill gold medal. In this format, one athlete competes in the downhill segment while the other takes on the slalom portion. Shiffrin will handle the slalom run, leveraging her expertise in that discipline.
This decision also means that the anticipated pairing of Shiffrin with Lindsey Vonn in the Team Combination will not occur. Vonn, who recently returned from retirement, will instead team up with AJ Hurt for the event.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s decision to withdraw from the giant slalom at the 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships highlights her focus on mental recovery following a traumatic crash in late 2024. Instead, she will compete in the newly introduced Team Combination event alongside Breezy Johnson, leveraging her strengths in slalom. This move reflects her strategic approach to competition while prioritizing well-being. Shiffrin’s journey continues to inspire athletes worldwide, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in professional sports. As she regains confidence, fans eagerly anticipate her return to peak performance. Stay updated on Shiffrin’s progress and the latest skiing news for more insights.
Shiffrin’s choice reflects her current focus on mental recovery and her desire to contribute to her team’s success in a capacity that aligns with her readiness. She continues to work towards overcoming the psychological hurdles resulting from her previous injury.