Federica Brignone’s Olympic Future in Jeopardy After Injury

UPDATE: Italian ski star Federica Brignone faces uncertainty regarding her participation in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics as she continues to recover from severe leg injuries sustained in April. Just four months away from the Games, Brignone is grappling with the reality that her return to competitive skiing remains unclear.

Brignone suffered multiple fractures in her left leg and tore her ACL during a giant slalom crash at the Italian championships. This incident marked a heartbreaking turn for the 35-year-old athlete, who was coming off her best season yet, having clinched the overall World Cup title along with the giant slalom and downhill crystal globes.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to get back to exactly how I was before,” Brignone stated on Saturday, expressing her concerns about a full recovery. “In fact, I’m sure I won’t.” The Olympic Games, set for February 2026, were anticipated to be a grand stage for Brignone, but now she faces the possibility of spectating from the sidelines.

Since her injury, Brignone has been working diligently on her rehabilitation, dedicating around seven hours each day to recovery. “I have not had precise dates for my return,” she explained. “It’s very complicated to give those; I am working week by week. Certainly, I’m getting better, certainly I’m working hard.”

Despite her positive attitude, Brignone candidly admitted, “I don’t know when I’ll be back on the slopes, certainly not November.” She acknowledged that until she can put her skis back on, her Olympic participation remains uncertain. “If one of my teammates deserves the place more than me, they deserve it more than me,” she added.

Brignone’s commitment to her recovery shines through as she continues to inspire others, even in the face of adversity. “It’s not these Olympics that will change my life, change my career,” she remarked during a media event organized by the Italian winter sports federation. “I’ve done what I’ve done and achieved much more than I could have ever dreamed of.”

As the countdown to the Milan-Cortina Olympics begins, fans and followers are left with a sense of hope for Brignone’s return. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during her rehabilitation. “I need this positive energy to heal and return to normal life, because with such an injury it’s not a given,” she concluded.

With the Olympics approaching and Brignone’s future in limbo, her story underscores the resilience and determination of athletes facing injury. Updates on her condition and potential return to the slopes will be crucial for fans eagerly awaiting her comeback.