Featured Picture: GEPA
A Promising Season Minimize Quick
Petra Vlhová, the outstanding Slovakian Olympic Champion, has been the one athlete to problem the slalom dominance of the Stifel US Ski Group’s famous person Mikaela Shiffrin. Vlhová’s fierce competitiveness and immense talent made her a powerful contender for the 2024 season slalom title. Nevertheless, her season took an surprising flip when she suffered a devastating damage whereas racing large slalom in her dwelling World Cup race in Jasná, Slovakia.
The damage, which occurred in January, required instant surgical procedure and compelled Vlhová to finish her season. This setback dashed her hopes for the 2024 slalom title and left a void within the compelling Shiffrin rivalry.
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The Return to the Slopes
After a protracted and difficult restoration, Wednesday, August 21, 2024, marked a major milestone for Vlhová. The 29-year-old Olympic slalom champion stood on skis for the primary time since her knee surgical procedure in Switzerland.
“It was nice as a result of I used to be on skis for the primary time, lastly. Seven months is an extremely very long time… It was a tremendous feeling, and I used to be actually excited to get this once more,” Vlhová mentioned with a smile, expressing her pleasure at being again on skis.
Vlhová admitted that she had some considerations earlier than returning to the slopes. “I haven’t forgotten easy methods to ski, which I used to be barely anxious about… After all, I nonetheless really feel my knee. It’s totally different, however it was nice. We did just a few runs to really feel the strikes. After only a few runs, I used to be drained, and my knee wasn’t in the perfect form, however it’s nice that I’m right here. It’s a huge step ahead!”
The Medical Inexperienced Gentle
To make her return to snowboarding attainable, Vlhová needed to cross an important medical check-up with the physician who carried out her surgical procedure. Mauro Pini, head coach of the Niké Ski Group Petra Vlhová, shared particulars in regards to the course of: “On Tuesday, we had a check-up six months after the surgical procedure. It was an necessary second for us to revisit our physician. He gave Petra complete assessments, which each skilled athlete should cross after such an damage. Petra needed to do a number of workouts, and ultimately, we received the inexperienced mild to maneuver ahead. This implies the knee is therapeutic properly, and all the pieces is beneath management, so we’re more than happy.”
Pini emphasised the significance of this second, stating, “An important factor is that we received the inexperienced mild and are again on the slopes. It’s an important day for us. We may lastly return on the snow!”
Wanting Forward: A Return to Competitors?
Followers eagerly await Vlhová’s return to aggressive snowboarding, however the timeline stays unsure. “It’s nonetheless in all probability too early to say,” Pini commented on when Vlhová is perhaps able to race once more. “After all, we have now a plan and particular targets, however on the similar time, we wish to give her sufficient area to construct the excessive efficiency and confidence obligatory for aggressive snowboarding. Our objective is for her to be prepared for the race in mid-November in Levi, her ‘dwelling’ slope, the place she delivered unimaginable performances final season.”
Pini additionally talked about the opportunity of an earlier return however careworn that they might proceed cautiously. “We’ll resolve virtually every day, adjusting our plans based mostly on how the knee responds and whether or not it wants a break. If a miracle occurs, we could also be prepared for Sölden, however our ambition is to be 100% prepared for Levi.”
The Rivalry Continues
Whereas Petra Vlhová works towards her comeback, Mikaela Shiffrin, who additionally skilled an damage final season, managed to return and safe the 2024 slalom title. The rivalry between these two unimaginable athletes has captivated followers, and the snowboarding world eagerly awaits their subsequent showdown on the slopes.
For now, Vlhová focuses on her restoration and constructing her power, decided to return to the game she loves. As she takes every step ahead, the ski racing neighborhood helps her, realizing her comeback shall be thrilling to look at.
Content material data supply: fis-ski.com
Courtesy of Nike Ski Group Petra Vlhová
