Federica Brignone has declared her season over. © Pentaphoto

The emergency brake has been pulled: Brignone cancels the season.

Italy's great ski heroine Federica Brignone has had enough: On Monday, the Azzurra declared her season over early. The big question is: What's next for "Fede"?

March 02, 2026

From: det

It was probably the shortest season of her entire career – and yet Federica Brignone immortalized herself in the few weeks she graced the big ski stage. Four World Cup races, three Olympic appearances – and two incredible gold medals.

But now Brignone has ended her season prematurely. As the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) announced on Monday, the 35-year-old will now take a break. "My body is currently making me pay for the last few weeks," Brignone is quoted as saying in the press release. What she means by that is clear.

Brignone won two gold medals in Cortina d'Ampezzo. © ANSA / JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT

The Italian skier suffered a horrific leg and knee injury on April 3, 2025. It was nothing short of a miracle that Brignone was still able to travel to the Olympic Games – and it was an even greater miracle that she then went on to win gold medals in both the Super-G and the Giant Slalom, thus crowning her career.

"My body is currently presenting me with the bill." Federico Brignone

A few days ago, Brignone had emphasized that she She constantly struggles with pain, which is very hard on her. After the Soldeu weekend, the Italian skier has now pulled the plug. "I've demanded so much from my body in recent months. As early as the day of my injury in April 2025, I set my sights on the Winter Games, and I gave everything in my rehab to achieve them. Now I've tried to continue the season, but my body is paying the price."

Resign or continue?

So what happens next? "I'm going to take a break now and continue my rehabilitation at my own pace." Whether Brignone will be back in the World Cup next season is currently uncertain. A week ago, she said at a press conference: "I don't want every day to be torture. If things don't improve, it's unlikely you'll see me on the slopes next year. But I haven't made a decision yet."

Federica Brignone made a big splash at the Olympics. © ANSA / ANDREA SOLERO

There are still three stages left in the Ski World Cup: In Val di Fassa (March 6-8), in Aare (March 14-15) and in Lillehammer (March 21-25) the last winners of the season will be crowned.