The superstar has one goal after a serious injury. He's been vocal about it.

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Vlhova was for a time the fiercest rival of American Mikaela Shiffrin, who has been the world's best alpine skier this decade. The Slovak won the Crystal Globe in the 2020/21 season and has finished on the overall World Cup podium a total of five times.

She also has six World Championship medals to her name, including one gold. However, her greatest success came in 2022, when she won the slalom at the Beijing Olympics. Vlhova became the first Slovak woman to win Olympic gold in alpine skiing.

Following an unfortunate accident, she ended her 2023/24 season prematurely. She underwent surgery on her right anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus. She hasn't competed since. Furthermore, last season, she announced that she had damaged cartilage in her knee and required further specialist care.

"Now everything is going according to plan. I feel good and we're making progress. I'm constantly training to get back in shape and close the gap between my legs. Of course, regaining muscle in an injured leg is very demanding and takes time," said the Slovak.

Vlhova is confident she will return to competition before the Games, which will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in February, as she intends to fight for her second Olympic gold medal in slalom.

The Slovak has yet to return to snow training, and the World Cup season begins in just six weeks. The first women's competition will take place on October 25th in Soelden, Austria. Most of the top athletes are preparing for the snow season in South America or New Zealand.

"I'd like to be there, but we have to wait, stay positive, and believe that everything will go according to plan. I believe I'll be there. But for now, it's written in the stars. I'm being realistic, because it's possible that my knee won't respond well," Vlhova said.

The women's slalom in Cortina d'Ampezzo is scheduled for February 18, 2026. It will be the final Alpine event of the Games.

Source of information: Polish Press Agency