An Italian cross-country skier has suffered a tragic loss. © AFP / PIERRE TEYSSOT

"My daughter is dead and no one has apologized."

A former Italian cross-country skier has spoken about a tragic event in an emotional interview.

July 23, 2026

From: sn

During her career as a cross-country skier, Marina Piller's capacity for suffering was repeatedly tested. But compared to what happened to the three-time Olympian after her career, all of that seems utterly insignificant. "I lost my daughter Viola immediately after birth – due to a medical error," said Piller, now 41, in an emotional interview with the Corriere della Sera.

The whole thing happened seven years ago, on July 10, 2019. "Immediately after the birth, the doctors took my daughter to another room. My husband and I were left alone, not knowing what was happening – partly because it had been a calm birth up to that point. A little later, the doctors came back and said my daughter had died. Then they left the room without any further explanation. In these seven years, no one has ever apologized to me," said Piller.

Marina Piller has competed in the World Cup 53 times. © AFP / ANDREAS SOLARO

The case went to court, where judges reached a verdict a few weeks ago: The girl died as a result of oxygen deprivation, presumably caused by clamping the umbilical cord. The Friuli health authority was ordered to pay €800.000 in damages.

"My girl had the right to live." Marina Piller

“Money,” says Piller, “doesn’t interest us. Nothing can bring our Viola back. My girl had the right to live, we had the right to watch her grow up.”

The family plans to use the money for a special purpose: "I would like to use this sum for a project in the field of disability support that we are currently planning. I hope that tragedies like ours will never happen again and I would also like to be able to support parents who find themselves in such a situation."