Lisa Vittozzi looks back on a difficult period. © Teyssot / Pierre TEYSSOT

“It was a shock”: Vittozzi returns

Lisa Vittozzi has endured an extremely difficult winter; the 2023/24 overall World Cup winner didn't compete in a single race last season. Now the 30-year-old reflects on this personal low point.

14 April 2025

From: never

After arguably the greatest triumph of her career came the steep fall: As the reigning overall World Cup winner, Lisa Vittozzi was the woman to beat on the cross-country ski trail and at the shooting range at the end of November. It was supposed to be the dress rehearsal for the 2025/26 winter, the Olympic highlight on home soil. But everything turned out differently. A back injury stood in Vittozzi's way, initially preventing her from competing at the World Cup opener in Kontiolahti. The suffering, however, continued; after further cancellations, it culminated in the superstar's shocking end to the season in January 2025.

On Monday, Vittozzi attended the media day of the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) and answered journalists' questions. How does she feel after this stressful period? "I'm fine," she explained in an interview with Italy Fund"Of course, there were some emotions involved, because going through the time I went through is not easy."

Vittozzi: “Four very tough months”

Having to spend an entire winter on the sidelines after a fabulous season was stressful. "It was four very tough months, both physically and mentally; it was a bit destabilizing not being able to compete," Vittozzi said at her first public appearance in months. "It was a shock, and I had to take time to deal with it. But right now, I'm doing well; I'm training and slowly coming back."

"I'm satisfied because I feel the progress day after day. That also makes me feel much more relaxed." Lisa Vittozzi

The two-time world champion is currently undergoing rehabilitation. "Partly to keep the pain under control," she explained. Vittozzi draws a positive conclusion from the process so far. "I'm satisfied because I can feel the progress day after day. That also makes me feel much more relaxed."