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6 clusters · 63 sources · 49 days · First seen · Last updated

Petra Vlhová injury recovery and World Cup return

Overview

Slovak alpine skier Petra Vlhová is working toward a return to top-tier competition following a serious knee injury sustained in January 2024. The injury, a torn cruciate ligament in her right knee, required two surgeries and a hiatus of approximately two and a half years, during which Vlhová experienced a period of indifference toward her career while focusing on basic health and functioning. She noted, “I was at a stage where I didn't care about skiing at all and it didn't matter to me what would happen to my career.”

Following her participation in the 2026 Olympics in Italy, where she finished 20th in the slalom, Vlhová officially returned to World Cup competition in the giant slalom at Sölden, Austria, on October 24. Entering this phase with a new coaching setup under Mario Rafetzeder, she described her recovery period as a “new beginning” and emphasized a step-by-step approach to physical conditioning, stating her primary goal is to enjoy the process rather than focusing solely on immediate results.

Her return was met with praise from American star Mikaela Shiffrin, who described the comeback as “very successful” following the Sölden giant slalom. Shiffrin expressed deep respect for the difficult journey Vlhová undertook to return to the starting gate. Looking ahead, Vlhová’s season includes key events in Jasná and the World Championships in Switzerland.

Entities

Petra Vlhova · Sölden · Mikaela Shiffrin · Mario Rafetzeder · Marco Odermatt

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Mikaela Shiffrin praises Petra Vlhová's return to competition

    Mikaela Shiffrin praised Petra Vlhová's successful return to competitive skiing following a health-related break.

  2. [SPORTS] 47 sources
    Sölden hosts opening of the 2026-27 Alpine Ski World Cup season

    The Alpine Ski World Cup season begins in Sölden, Austria, featuring Mikaela Shiffrin's strategic discipline shift and the return of injured stars like Petra Vlhová.

  3. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Petra Vlhová returns to World Cup competition

    Slovak skier Petra Vlhová returns to World Cup racing in Sölden, Austria, following an injury sustained in early 2024.

  4. [SPORTS] 15 sources
    Petra Vlhová announces return to World Cup skiing

    Olympic skier Petra Vlhová will return to World Cup competition in Sölden, Austria, this October, marking a new beginning following a serious knee injury and a change in her coaching team.

  5. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Petra Vlhová discusses recovery from knee injury

    Slovak skier Petra Vlhová discusses her recovery from a knee injury, her training regimen involving deload phases, and her focus on returning to elite competition.

  6. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Petra Vlhová prepares for skiing comeback after serious injury

    Olympic skier Petra Vlhová is preparing for a comeback following a serious knee injury, noting that the recovery process has shifted her focus from competitive success to personal well-being.

Sources

24hod.sk · aplausin.cz · augsburger-allgemeine.de · bezirksjournal.at · bis.org · blesk.cz · blick.ch · bystricoviny.sk · cervenykoberec.cz · delo.si · denniksport.sk · dk-online.de · dnevno.hr · evropa2.cz · extra.cz · face.ba · faz.net · futbalnet.sk · glas-slavonije.hr · hna.de · independent.co.uk · index.hr · interez.sk · jutarnji.hr · krajskelisty.cz · kurier.at · ledauphine.com · letemps.ch · lifee.cz · maminka.cz · megafon.si · narod.hr · newsday.com · olimpiadatododia.com.br · onetz.de · radiokoeln.de · sita.sk · slovenskenovice.si · snowindustrynews.com · sport.aktuality.sk · sport.orf.at · sport24.pluska.sk · sport7.sk · sportbild.bild.de · sportklub.n1info.hr · sportnet.sme.sk · sportnews.bz · sportovymagazin.sk

This summary has been updated 10 times: see revision history