Shiffrin Skips Team Combined to Focus on Worlds GS, Slalom Prep

Mikaela Shiffrin Courchevel 2025: GEPA pictures

Shiffrin Focuses on Preparation, Declines Team Combined at Worlds

Mikaela Shiffrin will not compete in the new team combined event at the Alpine skiing world championships. Instead, she is prioritizing her training as she works toward peak form after recovering from a deep puncture wound.

Shiffrin announced her decision on social media, explaining that she needs to focus on preparing for the giant slalom and slalom events later in the championship. The team combined, scheduled for Tuesday, requires one teammate to race downhill and another to race slalom, with the combined times determining the result.

Vonn Had Hoped to Pair with Shiffrin

Lindsey Vonn, 40, returned to competition this season after nearly six years in retirement and had expressed interest in teaming up with Shiffrin for the event. Before Shiffrin’s decision, Vonn spoke about the opportunity, saying, “I think it would be probably one of the coolest things in ski racing to have 181 World Cup victories on one team. I don’t see how that wouldn’t be incredible.”

Vonn, the all-time leader in World Cup downhill victories with 43, has 82 career wins. Shiffrin holds the record for slalom wins at 62 and is one victory away from reaching 100 total World Cup wins.

Despite missing out on a dream pairing with Shiffrin, Vonn could still compete alongside Paula Moltzan, another American standout. Both skiers hail from Buck Hill, Minnesota. “We’re from the same small town,” Vonn said. “That would be really cool to race with her. But I would be happy with any of my teammates to compete with.”

Eyes on Milan-Cortina

Although they won’t race together this time, Vonn and Shiffrin could still team up in the team combined event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. The Winter Games are exactly one year away, with the opening ceremony set for Feb. 6, 2026.

For now, Vonn is focused on the super-G and downhill races at worlds, set for Thursday and Saturday. Meanwhile, Shiffrin continues to take things one step at a time in her return. “Each day so far has come with a new set of challenges,” she said, “and I need to keep my energy focused.”