Mikaela Shiffrin Has Been Hospitalized After A Skiing Accident In Italy

Mikaela Shiffrin, the American alpine skier, who has a record 95 World Cup titles under her belt, was immediately taken to the hospital after crashing in Friday’s women’s downhill race. The 22-year-old Olympic gold medalist collapsed in the middle and collided with the nets around the slop in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. After suffering the air crash on Jan 26, Shiffrin is taking some time off the slope. 

The Sking Champ Got Injured Amid Upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics 

The unexpected accident occurred when she was speeding down the Olympia delle Tofane course in Italy, which was thought to make it to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics(1). While speeding up, she lost control and landed on the safety nets when took a jump. The net was attached on either side of the course so that when anything goes unplanned, the skier may land on the net, avoiding any further injuries. The medics immediately took care of the situation by giving her prompt support after which she was airlifted to the local hospital further down the mountain for evaluation. 

Luckily, the skiing champ is not identified with any severe injuries. When inquired about her condition, the US team coach Paul Kristofic told the reporters that she was doing “quite good.” He further added that “things could have been worse” but is in place. “She is positive and relieved,” he concluded. Shiffrin’s team also supported what the coach said. “She is pretty sore and was pretty upbeat about things,” they commended. According to the team members, the initial analysis has driven away the fear as there is no sign of damage to her ACL and PCL. 

Earlier this Friday, the Snowboard team said Shifrin would require some time to get back although her anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments seem intact. 

Shiffrin herself reportedly sighed in relief when she came to know that the injury was not worse, her knee ligaments seemed intact. She further showed her gratitude towards everyone who prayed for her recovery. Currently, “am taking it day by day.” 

“ I will share my updates. Am glad it is not worse, but I am in little pain right now,” Shiffrin, who holds the record of World Cup wins, jotted down on her Instagram account. Furthermore, she added that she wouldn’t be skiing neither for “the rest of the weekend” nor for “Kronplatz.” She also said that she would require some more time to “process with the team,” and analyze “how everything is feeling” in the coming few days.

The crash came a few days after she bagged her 95th World Cup win and claimed the 150th podium of her career. The victory was marked in the land of Jasna, Slovakia. Ever since she has been getting prepared for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. However, as of now, her participation in the upcoming season is not decided by her team. 

Following the incident, the race was interrupted for more than 20 minutes before the Skiiying champ was airlifted to the hospital by the helicopter. After her matter was taken care of, the race continued and Austrian Stephanie Venier claimed victory. It was her second World Cup win.