Petra Vlhova, the distinguished Slovakian skier, remains optimistic about her recovery from a severe knee injury as she aims to defend her slalom gold medal at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February. Although Vlhova has not yet resumed on-snow training, she expresses hope that she will be ready in time to compete.
“I would like to be there. But we have to wait, stay positive, and believe that everything will go according to plan,” Vlhova stated regarding her Olympic prospects. The anticipation and uncertainty surrounding her return are palpable, as she realistically acknowledges the potential for setbacks. “We have to be honest; it could also happen that the knee won’t respond well,” she added.
Vlhova, who has long stood as a formidable challenger to Mikaela Shiffrin, was sidelined after undergoing surgery in January 2024 to repair her right ACL and meniscus following a crash at her home race in Slovakia. Since that incident, she has been out of competition and faced delays due to additional cartilage damage that necessitated specialized medical attention.
At a recent event celebrating the opening of her new museum in Drahovce, Slovakia, Vlhova expressed positivity about her rehabilitation progress. “Everything is going according to plan. I feel good, and we are making progress,” she stated. Vlhova is currently engaged in rigorous training to strengthen her injured leg and restore muscle balance. “Of course, regaining the muscles in the injured leg is really demanding. All we need is time,” she remarked.
Her statement, confirmed by her spokeswoman Lucia Antolova, reveals a deep focus on her personal journey toward recovery. “I know others are already training on snow, but I don’t feel anything about that. I’m completely fine, focused only on myself,” Vlhova emphasized. She is dedicated to returning to her peak condition as swiftly as possible, recognizing that patience is an essential part of her process.
The World Cup season is set to commence with the first women’s race in Sölden, Austria, on October 25. Meanwhile, many elite athletes have already begun their on-snow training in locations such as South America and New Zealand.
The women’s slalom event at the 2026 Olympics, where Vlhova aims to compete, is scheduled for February 18 in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Vlhova made history by winning Slovakia’s inaugural Olympic medal in Alpine skiing during the 2022 Beijing Games. Additionally, she claimed the overall World Cup title in the previous season.
In another development, Mauro Pini, Vlhova’s personal coach, announced in March that he would be departing her team. As of now, she has yet to appoint a new coach, adding to the transitional phase of her career as she navigates injury rehabilitation and prepares for a potential Olympic comeback.
