Mikaela Shiffrin, the renowned American alpine skier, recently opened up about significant personal challenges that have shaped her illustrious career.
Beyond celebrating her 100th World Cup victory on February 23, 2025, in Sestriere, Italy, Shiffrin revealed her ongoing battles with mental health issues, including severe anxiety and panic attacks.
These struggles were exacerbated by the tragic loss of her father in 2020, which profoundly affected her self-esteem and performance.
In November 2024, Shiffrin experienced a significant crash during a race in Killington, leading to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This incident compelled her to withdraw from the giant slalom event at the World Alpine Skiing Championships, as she felt mentally unprepared to compete.
Despite these hurdles, Shiffrin demonstrated remarkable resilience by returning to competition and achieving her milestone 100th World Cup win.
She attributes her perseverance to a disciplined lifestyle that includes ample sleep, abstaining from caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining a sharp focus. Her journey underscores the importance of mental health awareness and serves as an inspiration to many in the sports community.
