Petra Vlhová announces return to World Cup skiing

Slovak alpine skier Petra Vlhová has announced her return to World Cup competition following a long absence due to a serious knee injury sustained in January 2024. The 31-year-old Olympic champion plans to make her comeback at the giant slalom event in Sölden, Austria, on October 24.

Vlhová is entering this new phase of her career with a fresh mindset and a new coaching setup, working alongside Austrian coach Mario Rafetzeder. She described the period of recovery as a “new beginning,” noting that her perspective on life and sport has shifted. While she is eager to return to the slopes, she emphasized the importance of respecting her body and taking a step-by-step approach to her physical conditioning.

Her upcoming season will include key events such as the races in Jasná and the World Championships in Switzerland. Vlhová expressed that her primary goal is to enjoy the process and the competition rather than focusing solely on immediate results.