Mikaela Shiffrin Injured in Giant Slalom Crash While Leading for 100th World Cup Win

American ski star Mikaela Shiffrin sustained a “puncture wound to the right side of her abdomen” and “severe muscle trauma” after crashing out of the giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont, on Saturday. She had been in the lead and appeared poised to secure her 100th World Cup victory. The two-time Olympic champion was pursuing a record-extending 100th World Cup triumph and seemed on track to achieve this significant milestone before she fell and collided with the safety netting during her second run. Shiffrin, aged 29, was transported off the slope via a rescue sledge and subsequently underwent evaluation at a medical clinic. She held the lead following the first run and had appeared destined for victory prior to the incident. On Sunday, US Ski & Snowboard released a statement saying: “Following her crash in yesterday’s giant slalom at the Stifel Killington Cup, Mikaela was taken down by sled and transferred by ambulance to be evaluated at Rutland Regional Medical Center.” The organization further stated: “There was no ligament damage assessed. Bones and internal organs look OK. There is a puncture wound into the right side of her abdomen and severe muscle trauma.” Shiffrin had previously offered reassurance to her fans through a social media post published on Saturday evening. She commented: “Not really too much cause for concern at this point, I just can’t move,” adding, “I have a pretty good abrasion and something stabbed me.” Shiffrin also stated: “I am so sorry to scare everybody and it looks like all scans so far are clear, so thank you for the support and concern.” She also confirmed her withdrawal from Sunday’s slalom event, a competition she has won in Killington on six out of seven previous occasions. Sweden’s Sara Hector, the current Olympic champion, emerged victorious in Saturday’s giant slalom. She remarked, “It’s so sad of course for Mikaela, a crash like that after she was skiing so well. It breaks my heart.” Ski patrol medics were required to transport Shiffrin off the slope.