Ski superstar Federica Brignone. © APA/afp / TIZIANA FABI

Federica Brignone is causing a stir.

The women's downhill race at the Olympic Games takes place on Sunday (11:30 a.m.). Federica Brignone's performance has been a source of much speculation beforehand.

February 07, 2026

From Cortina d'Ampezzo

Will she race or won't she? That was the big question on everyone's mind in Cortina d'Ampezzo on Saturday. The question concerned Federica Brignone and referred to Sunday's downhill race. Would the reigning overall World Cup champion, after her horrific injury in April and her lightning-fast comeback, also be at the starting line for the premier discipline?

Brignone herself left it open on Saturday after training. "Elena (Curtoni), Nadia (Delago), and I did qualifying today," said the Aosta native in the mixed zone. With 7th place – just behind Sofia Goggia – Brignone is the best of the trio. However, because the training session was ultimately "irregular" (it was stopped after 24 skiers, so Nadia Delago didn't get a chance to ski), the coaches will decide who gets the last starting spot.

Brignone during her appearance in the second practice session. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

+++ UPDATE: Brignone has now decided to run the downhill race +++

In this case, Brignone has the best chances, which, however, doesn't automatically mean she'll compete. "If I qualify," Brignone continues, "then I'll have a session this afternoon with my brother (her trusted trainer, ed.) and the physios. I need to see how my knee reacts. Today I was really in pain on some landings," says Brignone.

"My knee was really swollen." Federico Brignone

The 35-year-old continues: “Every day is a training session and a test for me. I can’t hide during these training sessions; I have to give it my all to find out if my leg and knee can hold up. Whether I’ll start then depends on how much it would benefit me, also with regard to the Super-G.”

Pain, but...

Brignone doesn't hide the fact that her serious injury keeps resurfacing. "After the opening ceremony yesterday (Friday), my knee was really swollen." Nevertheless, it would be surprising if the star skier – assuming she qualifies, which is practically guaranteed – were to decide against competing in the downhill, especially since she made a good impression in training.