Mikaela Shiffrin Wins Olympic Slalom Gold After Injury Comeback

Physical therapist Regan Dewhirst describes the phenom's methodical recovery process from a serious 2024 injury.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ski star Mikaela Shiffrin won gold in the slalom at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, just days after placing 11th in the giant slalom. This triumph caps an impressive comeback from a serious injury Shiffrin suffered in November 2024 in Killington, Vermont, where she crashed into a slalom gate and needed surgery. Throughout her recovery, Shiffrin's Vermont-based physical therapist, Regan Dewhirst, has been by her side helping her methodically and successfully climb back to an impressive World Cup season ahead of the Winter Olympics.

Why it matters

Shiffrin's recovery and gold medal win showcase her incredible work ethic and athleticism, as well as the critical role of her physical therapist Regan Dewhirst in guiding her through a difficult injury and return to the top of the sport. This story highlights the dedication and teamwork required for an elite athlete to overcome a major setback and regain championship form.

The details

Dewhirst described Shiffrin's intense recovery regimen, which involved 10-hour days of pool work, recovery work, core work, and general conditioning. Shiffrin's injury in 2024 was a freak wound to her right abdomen after crashing into a slalom gate. Dewhirst, who lives in the Burlington area and travels with the U.S. Ski Team, has worked closely with Shiffrin to facilitate her recovery, including daily pre-training and post-training sessions to address any issues. Dewhirst praised Shiffrin's work ethic, athleticism, and methodical approach to rebuilding her confidence and skills.

  • In November 2024, Shiffrin crashed into a slalom gate in Killington, Vermont, causing a serious injury that required surgery.
  • On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Shiffrin won gold in the slalom at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
  • On Sunday, February 15, 2026, Shiffrin placed 11th in the giant slalom at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

The players

Mikaela Shiffrin

A ski star who won gold in the slalom at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, capping an impressive comeback from a serious injury suffered in 2024.

Regan Dewhirst

Shiffrin's Vermont-based physical therapist who has been by her side helping her methodically and successfully recover from her 2024 injury.

Paula Moltzan

Shiffrin's teammate who placed fourth in the slalom at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“It was probably ten-hour days most days between pool work, recovery work, specific core work, and general conditioning with the things that she could get away with. It was hard work, for sure.”

— Regan Dewhirst, Physical Therapist (WPTZ)

“I've started to think of it more as a facilitator. The PT work happens every day. We typically do a session before training in the mornings just to kind of get her moving and activated and making sure that she's not kind of compensating before she goes out. And then we'll do a session in the afternoons, which is usually some form of core work or light strength work. And then that's followed by more of your typical massage recovery, addressing any sort of stiffness or movement asymmetries that kind of cropped up during the day. But the rest of it is really listening to her and sort of seeing where she's at and then communicating that to the rest of the team. I think my job is a lot more of getting everybody aligned on where her energy is and how we can modify and how we can optimize things than just the technical work.”

— Regan Dewhirst, Physical Therapist (WPTZ)

“She's a phenom. And not only in skiing. You should see her play tennis and golf and surf. Everything she does, she learns very quickly. She studies it, she can watch movement patterns better than almost anybody I know. And then she's methodical. She'll start with a very easy section. Once that feels okay, she'll build out to the next section. Once that feels okay, she'll build out a little bit more, and she kind of just builds her confidence and pushes the limit in a very systematic way.”

— Regan Dewhirst, Physical Therapist (WPTZ)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This story highlights the dedication, teamwork, and methodical approach required for an elite athlete like Mikaela Shiffrin to overcome a major injury and regain championship form. Her physical therapist Regan Dewhirst played a critical role in guiding Shiffrin through her recovery, showcasing the importance of personalized, holistic care for top-level athletes.