An inseparable team: Federica Brignone and her brother Davide. © Pentaphoto

The Brignone drama: He is Federica's silent hero

Federica Brignone's serious injury caused deep shock in the Italian skiing world. A very special person stood by Fede's side during these difficult hours.

04 April 2025

From: det

For Federica Brignone, a small world collapsed on Thursday. In the giant slalom of the Italian Championships on Alpe Lusia, the newly crowned overall World Cup winner approached a gate too directly, tangled up, and suffered a horrific crash, sustaining a very serious injury. A torn cruciate ligament, broken tibia, and fractured left fibula – The soon-to-be 35-year-old has been hit very hard. Now a break of several months awaits, and even the Olympic Games are in danger.

It's hard to imagine what was going through Federica's mind during those hours. But fortunately, she was able to count on special support. Her brother Davide, who is also her coach, never left his older sister's side during these difficult moments. When Federica was taken by helicopter to the hospital in Trento, Davide flew with her. The 31-year-old was also there for Fede during the subsequent examinations, the surgery in Milan, and the hours afterward.

Federica Brignone was horrified after the crash. © ANSA / PHOTO ELVIS GP PIAZZI/SOLERO

“In those moments I simply tried to encourage her,” Federica’s brother, who is three years younger, told the Sports Gazette. "How does she feel? Just like a girl who just broke her leg. Even if it's not the first time. Back in the summer of 2018, Fede suffered a small fracture in her shin after a blow to the knee. But that's nothing like the injury now."

An inseparable pair of siblings

Davide and Federica Brignone – these two share a true sibling love. Since 2017, Davide, who was previously a skier himself, has been working as the star skier's coach. Initially, the now 32-year-old had a tough time, as the regular national coaches viewed him as an unnecessary intruder. He was initially forced to find accommodation away from the team, obtain the necessary accreditations—especially for the race and training slopes—and, over time, work to gain the necessary acceptance. Davide has undoubtedly achieved this by transforming Brignone into an absolute skiing superstar.

“He knows me better than anyone else.” Federico Brignone

Federica, who often shares a room with Davide during races, once said in a DolomitesInterview about her little brother: "All the people who work with me and look after me are extremely important, and each one is an irreplaceable piece of the puzzle. My brother Davide, however, is fundamental, not just as a help on and off the slopes as a coach. Without him, I would never have undergone such development, I would never have become such a complete rider. He knows me better than anyone else."

One thing is certain: Federica and Davide have won overall World Cup victories and World Championship titles together. Now they must get back on their feet together after this serious injury.