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Mikaela Shiffrin’s “Moving Right Along”: A Deep Dive into Injury, PTSD, and Triumph
an intimate look at the challenges and victories of the U.S.ski team superstar’s 2024-25 season, marked by injury, mental health struggles, and ultimate resilience.
mikaela Shiffrin, the undisputed queen of alpine skiing, recently offered fans an unprecedented glimpse into her tumultuous 2024-25 season through the latest episode of her YouTube series, “Moving Right along.” Released on March 26, 2025, the 16-minute video chronicles the highs and lows, both physical and emotional, that the Edwards, Colorado, native faced on her journey back from a perhaps career-altering injury. The timing of the release, just one day before Shiffrin clinched her 101st World Cup victory in slalom at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, adds another layer of depth to the narrative.
Shiffrin’s willingness to share such personal struggles resonates deeply in a sports world often focused solely on performance metrics. Her vulnerability shines a light on the mental and emotional toll elite athletes endure, offering a powerful message of resilience and the importance of mental health.
From Early Wins to a Crushing Setback
The season began with Shiffrin dominating the slopes, securing two victories in the first three races. However, the pursuit of her 100th World Cup win took a dramatic turn on November 30 in Killington, Vermont. A crash resulted in an abdominal puncture wound that required surgery and sidelined her for nearly two months, including the highly anticipated World Cup races in Beaver Creek, Colorado.
The injury wasn’t just a physical setback; it triggered a cascade of mental and emotional challenges. Shiffrin openly discusses the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) she experienced, characterized by vivid flashbacks and anxiety while skiing. This honesty is particularly notable, given the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues, especially in high-performance environments.
“It’s been scary to experience these flashes of images of crashing … not knowing what they were when I was feeling them.”
Mikaela Shiffrin, February 17, 2025
PTSD is a serious condition that can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 6% of the U.S. population will experience PTSD at some point in thier lives. For athletes, the pressure to perform and the risk of injury can make them particularly vulnerable. Shiffrin’s willingness to discuss her experience can help to reduce the stigma associated with PTSD and encourage others to seek help.
Facing the Mental Game
The YouTube episode reveals Shiffrin’s proactive approach to addressing her mental health. She is shown meeting with a psychologist on February 12, a crucial step in understanding and managing her PTSD.
“I think it’s important that we understand what’s happening and have words for it and continue to treat it and not just have it be some, ‘oh I’m having difficulty coping.'”
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Psychologist, February 12, 2025
Shiffrin described the disturbing “visions” she experienced while skiing, detailing how these mental images of crashing affected her performance.
“They’re like flashes. It’s not necessarily the crash from Killington, but it’s the same sort of experience. Like, the sort of tunnel vision, looking through goggles.”
Mikaela Shiffrin
These flashes caused her to pull back, hindering her ability to take on speed – a critical element in competitive skiing. This raw admission underscores the profound impact that mental trauma can have on even the most skilled athletes.
Her experience highlights the growing recognition of the importance of sports psychology in athletic training. Many professional and collegiate teams now employ sports psychologists to help athletes manage stress, cope with injuries, and improve their mental game. This shift reflects a broader understanding that mental and physical well-being are inextricably linked.
Teamwork and triumph
Despite these challenges,Shiffrin persevered. After placing 10th in a slalom in Courchevel, France, on January 30, her first race back, she considered participating in the new team Combined event at the World Championships. Before committing, she reached out to teammate Breezy Johnson, demonstrating a remarkable sense of responsibility and self-awareness.
Johnson’s supportive response, conveyed in a text message Shiffrin shared in the video, is a testament to the power of camaraderie and understanding within a team environment. Johnson emphasized that she didn’t expect anything from Shiffrin and supported her nonetheless of her decision.
The pair ultimately teamed up and won the gold medal in the Team Combined event, a powerful symbol of resilience and the strength of teamwork. This victory not only added to Shiffrin’s extraordinary medal count but also showcased the importance of supportive relationships in overcoming adversity.
“I would love to give you the opportunity to check out the slalom hill and have some fun, if you want. But I know you’ve been through a lot this year. Do what feels right for you and don’t decide now,but know that I don’t expect anything from you. you are a warrior and it’s hard to mentally and physically come back from injury midseason. I support you no matter what.”
Breezy Johnson
Medical Perspectives and unwavering Belief
The episode also features insights from Dr. Turner Lisle, head of trauma and robotic surgery at Vail Health, who treated Shiffrin’s injury. He described the
