Petra Vlhová Returns to Skiing After Knee Surgery

Featured Image: GEPA

A Promising Season Cut Short

Petra Vlhová, the remarkable Slovakian Olympic Champion, has been the only athlete to challenge the slalom dominance of the Stifel US Ski Team’s superstar Mikaela Shiffrin. Vlhová’s fierce competitiveness and immense skill made her a strong contender for the 2024 season slalom title. However, her season took an unexpected turn when she suffered a devastating injury while racing giant slalom in her home World Cup race in Jasná, Slovakia.

The injury, which occurred in January, required immediate surgery and forced Vlhová to end her season. This setback dashed her hopes for the 2024 slalom title and left a void in the compelling Shiffrin rivalry.

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The Return to the Slopes

After a long and challenging recovery, Wednesday, August 21, 2024, marked a significant milestone for Vlhová. The 29-year-old Olympic slalom champion stood on skis for the first time since her knee surgery in Switzerland.

“It was great because I was on skis for the first time, finally. Seven months is an incredibly long time… It was an amazing feeling, and I was really excited to get this again,” Vlhová said with a smile, expressing her joy at being back on skis.

Vlhová admitted that she had some concerns before returning to the slopes. “I haven’t forgotten how to ski, which I was slightly worried about… Of course, I still feel my knee. It’s different, but it was great. We did a few runs to feel the moves. After just a few runs, I was tired, and my knee wasn’t in the best shape, but it’s great that I’m here. It is a big step forward!”

The Medical Green Light

To make her return to skiing possible, Vlhová had to pass a crucial medical check-up with the doctor who performed her surgery. Mauro Pini, head coach of the Niké Ski Team Petra Vlhová, shared details about the process: “On Tuesday, we had a check-up six months after the surgery. It was an important moment for us to revisit our doctor. He gave Petra comprehensive tests, which every professional athlete must pass after such an injury. Petra had to do several exercises, and in the end, we got the green light to move forward. This means the knee is healing well, and everything is under control, so we are very pleased.”

Pini emphasized the importance of this moment, stating, “The most important thing is that we got the green light and are back on the slopes. It’s a crucial day for us. We could finally go back on the snow!”

Looking Ahead: A Return to Competition?

Fans eagerly await Vlhová’s return to competitive skiing, but the timeline remains uncertain. “It’s still probably too early to say,” Pini commented on when Vlhová might be ready to race again. “Of course, we have a plan and specific goals, but at the same time, we want to give her enough space to build the high performance and confidence necessary for competitive skiing. Our goal is for her to be ready for the race in mid-November in Levi, her ‘home’ slope, where she delivered incredible performances last season.”

Pini also mentioned the possibility of an earlier return but stressed that they would proceed cautiously. “We’ll decide practically daily, adjusting our plans based on how the knee responds and whether it needs a break. If a miracle happens, we may be ready for Sölden, but our ambition is to be 100% ready for Levi.”

The Rivalry Continues

While Petra Vlhová works toward her comeback, Mikaela Shiffrin, who also experienced an injury last season, managed to return and secure the 2024 slalom title. The rivalry between these two incredible athletes has captivated fans, and the skiing world eagerly awaits their next showdown on the slopes.

For now, Vlhová focuses on her recovery and building her strength, determined to return to the sport she loves. As she takes each step forward, the ski racing community supports her, knowing her comeback will be exciting to watch.

Content information source: fis-ski.com

Courtesy of Nike Ski Team Petra Vlhová