Italian Ski Star Brignone Faces Olympic Uncertainty After Injury

UPDATE: Italian skiing champion Federica Brignone faces an uncertain future just four months ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games. The 35-year-old athlete is still in rehabilitation after suffering multiple leg injuries, including a torn ACL, in an April crash during the Italian championships.

Brignone’s injury occurred during a giant slalom competition, intended to be a triumphant conclusion to her season, which included winning the overall World Cup title and both the giant slalom and downhill crystal globes. Now, she is grappling with the reality that she may not compete in her home Olympics.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to get back to exactly how I was before,” Brignone stated. “In fact, I’m sure I won’t.”

As she continues her recovery, Brignone noted that she has not been given a clear timeline for her return to skiing. “Since I hurt myself, I have not had precise dates. It’s very complicated to be able to give those. I am working week by week,” she explained. Despite this uncertainty, she is committed to her rehabilitation, dedicating over seven hours each day to physical therapy.

Brignone recently celebrated small victories, such as being able to navigate stairs “like a normal person.” However, she remains realistic about her Olympic aspirations. “I don’t know when I’ll be back on the slopes, certainly not November,” she added. “Honestly, until I put my skis back on, I don’t know if I’ll be able to ski at the Olympics.”

With a strong team of competitors, Brignone acknowledges that if another athlete has a better chance, they should take the spot. “If one of them deserves the place more than me, they deserve it more than me,” she commented. Yet, her determination is palpable: “Obviously I’m confident, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing everything that I’m doing, I wouldn’t be working really hard like I’m doing now.”

Despite the challenges, Brignone remains optimistic. “It’s not these Olympics that will change my life, change my career,” she reflected during a media day organized by the Italian winter sports federation. “I’ve done what I’ve done, and in fact, I achieved much more than I could have ever dreamed of.”

As the countdown to the February 2026 Olympics continues, the skiing community and fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting updates on Brignone’s recovery and potential return to the slopes. For now, she is focusing on the healing process and maintaining a positive mindset amidst the uncertainty.

The situation remains fluid, and all eyes are on Brignone as she embarks on her path to recovery in the hopes of making a comeback to Olympic competition.