Mikaela Shiffrin's Physical Therapist Describes Phenom's Recovery from Major Injury

Regan Dewhirst, Shiffrin's physical therapist, discusses the skier's comeback from a nasty crash that threatened her Olympic dreams.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mikaela Shiffrin, one of the biggest stars of the U.S. Olympic team, is competing at the Winter Games after recovering from a major injury she suffered in a 2024 World Cup race. Regan Dewhirst, Shiffrin's physical therapist, describes the skier's grueling rehabilitation process and the teamwork required to get her back on the slopes at an elite level.

Why it matters

Shiffrin's comeback from a severe abdominal injury that required surgery and months of recovery highlights the incredible dedication and resilience of elite athletes. Her story also underscores the crucial role of the support staff, including physical therapists like Dewhirst, in helping top performers overcome major setbacks and return to competition.

The details

In a 2024 World Cup race in Killington, Vermont, Shiffrin crashed into a slalom gate, suffering a freak wound to her right abdomen. The injury was so severe that it was described as Shiffrin essentially being "stabbed" by the gate. She needed surgery and months of intensive rehabilitation to recover. Dewhirst, Shiffrin's physical therapist, was by her side throughout the process, guiding her through a meticulous, 10-hour-per-day regimen of cardio, strength training, balance work, and other exercises to rebuild her strength and conditioning. Despite the initial doubts about whether Shiffrin would be able to return in time for the Olympics, she made an impressive comeback, winning her 100th World Cup race in Italy before competing at her fourth Winter Games.

  • In 2024, Shiffrin crashed into a slalom gate during a World Cup race in Killington, Vermont.
  • Shiffrin won her 100th World Cup race in Italy prior to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The players

Mikaela Shiffrin

An American alpine ski racer and one of the biggest stars of the U.S. Olympic team, competing in her fourth Winter Games.

Regan Dewhirst

Shiffrin's physical therapist, a University of Vermont graduate and former college soccer player who lives in the Burlington area and travels with the U.S. Ski Team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As soon as I was able to start moving again, that was that was awesome. I just felt like fire was lighting up and I was like, as soon as I can start doing intervals, I'm doing intervals. And I was doing the cardio and I was doing the strength work that I could do, and leg strength and, and any kind of core I could do and, and the balance training and just every single piece of it. And Regan was just, we were just feeding off of each other and just going for it.”

— Mikaela Shiffrin

“I think the injury, because it was an 8 to 12 week plan, she basically had to stay in the moment and kind of take each day as it came. And I think she's been able to sort of bring that mindset into this year where we basically just say like, okay, let's maximize the day. What can you can control? How much effort can you put into this? And if you're doing all of these things that meet your values, then the rest is going to shake out.”

— Regan Dewhirst, Shiffrin's Physical Therapist

What’s next

Shiffrin will compete in multiple events at the 2026 Winter Olympics in an effort to add to her medal collection.

The takeaway

Shiffrin's remarkable comeback from a serious injury showcases the incredible dedication, teamwork, and resilience required to reach the pinnacle of elite sports. Her story is an inspiration for athletes and fans alike.