Multiple Setbacks Since January Injury
On Jan. 20, 2024, Petra Vlhová tore her ACL and MCL in her right knee during the first run of a World Cup giant slalom in Jasna. Since undergoing surgery, the 29-year-old Slovakian star has worked steadily on her comeback. But repeated setbacks—chronic pain and cartilage issues—required a second operation.
Vlhová, the 2022 Olympic slalom champion, is currently focused on rehabilitation. She hopes to return to ski racing, but her future remains uncertain.
“No One Can Guarantee I’ll Ski Again”
Vlhová spoke openly about her recovery in an interview with Radio Slovensko.
“No one can guarantee I’ll ever be able to ski again,” she said. While she continues to make small steps forward with the help of doctors and physiotherapists, she cannot yet assess her fitness or the likelihood of racing again.
She still dreams of representing Slovakia at the 2026 Olympics in Milan-Cortina. But she quickly lowers expectations, emphasizing that her condition remains unpredictable.
“I don’t know what will happen,” Vlhová said.
Injury Shattered Her Momentum—and Confidence
The crash came at a time when Vlhová felt strong and confident.
“It turned my life upside down,” she told Slovak media. After the initial blow, things worsened last December. Her hopes of racing at the 2025 World Championships faded, and the reality of a winter without competition set in.
Vlhová said the most challenging part was not just physical pain, but emotional struggle.
“It felt like my insides were being shattered to pieces,” she said. During that time, she sought psychological support and began learning to prioritize her own well-being.
Racing Remains Out of Reach—for Now
For now, skiing is still out of the question. But Vlhová hasn’t given up hope. With 31 World Cup victories, a 2019 world title in giant slalom, and seven medals at major events, she remains one of Slovakia’s greatest athletes.
Her comeback may still be possible—but nothing is guaranteed.
Source: sport.sk
About the Author: Peter Gerber Plech
