Mikaela Shiffrin returns to skiing for a new season in 2024
- Mikaela Shiffrin is returning to competitive skiing after recovering from a knee injury sustained in January 2024.
- She is eyeing a significant milestone in her career, aiming for her 100th win as the alpine season begins in Soelden, Austria.
- Despite being on the backside of her career, Shiffrin remains determined to succeed in upcoming challenges, including the 2026 Olympics.
Mikaela Shiffrin's alpine skiing season commenced in Soelden, Austria, marking her return to competition following a knee injury that sidelined her for six weeks earlier in 2024. The injury, which affected her MCL and tibiofibular ligament, caused significant concern about her ability to remain competitive. Nonetheless, she managed to win two races upon her return, quelling doubts about her performance after being injured and not skiing for an extended period. As Shiffrin resumes her journey, the focus shifts to her milestone of achieving 100 career wins. This target has generated a considerable amount of discussion among fans and analysts alike, given the significance it carries in the skiing community. Throughout her career, she has collected numerous titles and crystal globes, leading to expectations that she can achieve this milestone sooner rather than later. Shiffrin plans to compete mainly in slalom, giant slalom, and super-G this season, temporarily placing downhill skiing aside. She acknowledges the physical challenges associated with maintaining competitiveness week after week, highlighting the stresses she and athletes of her stature face throughout their careers. While Shiffrin recognizes that she may be nearing the end of her skiing career, she has not established concrete plans past the 2026 Olympics. For now, she intends to continue her pursuit of excellence in skiing, finding a blend of peacefulness amidst the competition's difficulties.