Last year at the Paris Olympics, two of the greatest athletes of our time—Mikaela Shiffrin and Simone Biles—shared more than just laughs and inside jokes. Behind the giggles was a powerful connection: a quiet, mutual understanding of what it means to carry the weight of the world’s expectations. They talked about what they had faced in Tokyo and in Paris. “Of course, her experience in [Tokyo] and comparing our experiences with the Olympics,” Shiffrin said later. “Just competing and the expectations that people have when they anticipate you’re going to win everything – just the sort of similarities in that mentality,” Shiffrin later shared. In that moment, it wasn’t just two champions chatting—it was two women standing together, recognizing each other’s struggles when the world often looks the other way. But that wasn’t the only time they lifted each other up.

Recently, Mikaela posted a powerful clip from her Players’ Tribune interview on Instagram, recounting a terrifying crash during the giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont, last November. She detailed how she suffered a puncture wound to her abdomen and severe muscle trauma, which required surgery just 12 days later. Despite the pain and trauma, she pushed to return that season—only to find herself facing something entirely new: a disconnect from her own body.

However, the raw honesty struck a chord. Among those deeply moved was none other than Simone Biles, who reshared the clip on May 30 via her Instagram story. She tagged Mikaela and responded with a simple, heartfelt gesture: a series of red hearts wrapped in bandages—a quiet nod of solidarity from one survivor to another. Meanwhile, fans poured into the comments with love and support. One wrote: “Mikaela you are so strong and so inspiring! Your story and road to recovery mentally and physically has helped me in my mental side of racing! Thank you so much for sharing your story and keep shining!”  But what did Shiffrin actually say in the clip?

While narrating what she faced internally, the ski racing legend said, “Most of the winter after the injury and once we started skiing again and I was returning, it was mostly awful,” she said with a pale face. “ I felt an insane disconnect between my body and my mind.” That’s when she realized that she “qualified for PTSD.” According to Mikaela, in those days, her body was like ‘nothing of what she wanted it to do.’ It was kind of on auto mode. The next moment, she said, “We talk about viewing the world like you have a film over your eyes, like everything’s a little bit darker or there’s a layer of grease on everything.” It was such a low point in her mind that she had never felt before. But thankfully, Shiffrin’s psychologist motivated her all the while. 

The psychologist reassured her that the mental block she was experiencing was only temporary and could be overcome. In the meantime, Shiffrin gradually returned to her routine, resuming practice and sticking with the familiar habits that once brought her peace. This consistent effort helped her heal and led to a valuable realization: “Most of the time, it’s ok.” Well, by January 2025, she was back on the snow, and just a couple of months later, in March, she made a triumphant return, securing her 101st career victory with a win in the slalom at the World Cup finals. Her inspiring comeback was met with an outpouring of admiration and praise from fans around the world.

The fans joined Simone Biles to clap at Mikaela Shiffrin 

The response to Mikaela Shiffrin’s powerful Instagram clip was nothing short of overwhelming. As the video revisited the harrowing crash from last year and her long road to recovery, it wasn’t just the unseen footage or her candid commentary that made it compelling—it was the raw humanity behind every word, every image.

One fan captured it perfectly, writing: “We are so lucky to witness a fraction of your life and your continued openness to pull back the curtain of your life even more is incredible and awe-inspiring. The imprint and impact you are having on the hearts and minds of us globally is immeasurable.” Messages of support poured in from all corners of the world. Another admirer wrote: “Dear Michaela, I am following your journey with great interest for good reasons and would just like to send my best wishes and say thank you for the motivation you give.” Her recovery—both physical and emotional—has become more than just a comeback story. It’s a beacon of strength for countless others walking their own difficult paths. Among the many voices chiming in was British professional triathlete Kat Matthews, who praised Shiffrin’s courage with a simple but powerful message: “So brave 😍 thank you for sharing.”  

One fan summed up what so many were feeling: “Always learning from this young big super athlete.” In a world that often demands perfection, women like Mikaela Shiffrin and Simone Biles continue to show us what true strength looks like: vulnerability, resilience, and unwavering support for one another.