Petra Vlhová, a prominent Slovak skier, made her much-anticipated return to competitive skiing after a significant hiatus of two years and 21 days, following a serious injury. The injury occurred during a giant slalom race in Jasná on January 20, 2024, where she tore her anterior cruciate ligament. This marked the first time she competed since her injury, with her next participation being the Olympics on February 10, 2026, for a team combination event. The importance of her comeback was underscored by promotional efforts from the International Ski Federation (FIS) and Eurosport, both of whom highlighted Vlhová’s return as a major event in the ski racing calendar, indicating her significance in the sport.

Ahead of her race, Vlhová expressed her excitement about returning to the slopes, emphasizing that her focus was on enjoying the experience rather than achieving specific results. She stated, "I have no expectations; I just want to enjoy it and do my best. Today it's not about results." Unfortunately, her first competitive race back did not end as hoped, as she did not finish the event. Nevertheless, she remained positive, stating her feelings after her fall and expressing gratitude for being back on the course, reflecting her resilience and passion for the sport.

Despite the setback, Vlhová's return has drawn significant attention within the skiing community and has been seen as an inspiring story of determination and perseverance. Her participation in high-profile events serves as both a personal triumph over adversity and a symbol of hope for other athletes facing similar challenges. The coverage from FIS and Eurosport underscores her importance as a figure in skiing, not only for Slovakia but also on the international stage, as she continues her journey back to competitive form.