Alpine Skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin will not take part in the new team combined event at the World Championships in Saalbach, Austria (4-16 February).

Shiffrin made the announcement on social mediaon Tuesday (4 February), saying that the decision was based on her ongoing recovery from surgery following her recent injury.

“My team and I are continuing to take it one step at a time as I work to get back to 100%,” she said.

“I need to keep my energy focused on preparing for the giant slalom and slalom races during World Championships, and will not be able to participate in the Team Combined. I am so excited to follow the team combined event and cheer for my teammates.”

The new men’s and women’s team combined events, which make their Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026, features two specialists in a team instead of one skier. One skier will compete in a downhill while the other will do a slalom, with the fastest aggregate time determining the winner.

Fellow American ski legend Lindsey Vonn, who has recently returned to competition from retirement, had said she “would love” to team up with Shiffrin for the team combined.

The women’s event in Saalbach is scheduled for Tuesday 11 February. Each nation can enter multiple teams.

Shiffrin (99) and Vonn (82) are the most successful women in World Cup history. Shiffrin holds the record for most slalom wins (62), Vonn has the most downhill victories (43).