Ski queen Federica Brignone. © ANSA / ANDREA SOLERO

Federica Brignone gives a gloomy update

Italy's skiing hero Federica Brignone is fighting for her return after her horrific injury. Now there's a somewhat encouraging update.

20 October 2025

From: det

She was supposed to be Italy's big star at the upcoming Olympic Games in Cortina. If, yes, if it hadn't been for that terrible incident on April 3rd. After a dream season, including an overall World Cup victory, Federica Brignone suffered a serious fall at the Italian Championships that day, breaking her tibia and fibula, as well as tearing her cruciate ligament.

A horrific injury, the consequences of which Brignone is still struggling with today—six months later. And her chances of competing at the Olympic Games in less than four months are dwindling. "I think it will be impossible for me to return to competition before January or immediately before the Olympic Games," the 35-year-old told AFP on the sidelines of a media event in Milan.

“I still hurt every day.” Federico Brignone

The reigning giant slalom world champion added: "I haven't put on my skis yet, so it will be difficult to return before January. Since April, I've been thinking about everything but skis, ski boots, or all the equipment. It honestly didn't cross my mind."

Federica Brignone is fighting for her return. © ANSA / Alessandro Di Marco

Brignone is currently working on her return in rehab. "I'm working five to seven hours a day on my recovery, and I'm getting better every week, which is positive. But I still have pain every day," says Italy's top skier. Nevertheless, you can never completely write off Federica Brignone. And as long as there's a spark of hope that she'll compete at the Olympics, the Italian will believe in it.