Federica Brignone, the 35-year-old Italian alpine skier, has secured her first Olympic gold medal at the Milan 2026 Winter Games, marking a significant milestone in her career. This achievement comes just ten months after she was sidelined due to a severe injury sustained during a national championship.
Brignone, a veteran of five Olympic appearances, previously earned three medals but had not clinched a gold. Her breakthrough came in the super-G event, where she had finished as the world championship runner-up the previous year. Following this, she won her second gold in the giant slalom, a discipline in which she had previously medaled at two prior Olympics.
The skier’s journey to this success is particularly noteworthy given her recent struggles. In early 2022, Brignone suffered multiple leg fractures and torn ligaments from a fall, which required extensive surgical recovery. With only ten months before the Olympics, she faced the dual challenge of rehabilitation and returning to competitive form.
At one point, Brignone expressed doubts about her readiness for the Games, stating, “I don’t think I will return as I was, but I am working to come back as soon as possible,” in an interview last October. She emphasized that her participation in the Olympics was not a definitive measure of her career.
“I never thought I would return for the Olympic season, so I decided not to set deadlines. I apologize, but these Olympic Games will not change my life or career. What is done is done, and I have achieved far more than I could have dreamed. Participating in the Olympics will be a pleasant bonus, a nice dream,”
she added.
However, following her earlier remarks, Brignone’s path to Olympic success accelerated. In mid-November, she completed her first training session on skis, and by January, she participated in her first World Cup event.
Before the Olympics, Brignone had only two World Cup starts in the super-G and giant slalom. Nevertheless, she excelled in the Olympic events, securing victories in both disciplines.
“She worked hard and demonstrated true willpower and the desire to be competitive, not just to participate,”
noted Andrea Panzieri, the chief physician of the Italian team, after Brignone’s first Olympic win in super-G.
“If she were a normal person, she would still be recovering.”
Just two days later, Brignone faced another competition and achieved another victory in her signature giant slalom event. “I can’t find the words. I can’t believe it,” she remarked, as reported by TNT Sports. “I focused on the things I had to do. I gave it my all, so I am proud of what I was able to achieve.”
Brignone’s remarkable comeback was acknowledged by her fellow medalists in the giant slalom, Teya Stjernesund and Sara Hector, who paid their respects to her after the competition.
“It is a nice respect they showed me. It is wonderful to share the podium with such amazing girls,”
Brignone commented.
Federica Brignone has made a remarkable comeback to win two gold medals at the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics, just ten months after a severe injury. Her journey from rehabilitation to Olympic success highlights her resilience and determination.