Federica Brignone kisses her gold medal. © ANSA / DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

Mid-interview: Tomba surprises Brignone

Federica Brignone cemented her legendary status on Sunday with her second gold medal in Cortina d'Ampezzo. However, she was surprised by another legend.

February 16, 2026

From Cortina d'Ampezzo

Federica Brignone has been giving interviews for over an hour now. First to the official Olympic broadcasters, then to the TV stations, finally to print and online journalists, and after the official press conference, the Aosta native also answered questions from Italian reporters in a more intimate setting.

As Brignone – the four days after the sensational Super-G gold medal She also became Olympic champion in the giant slalom While she is still busy with her remarks, she nudges Andrea Facchinetti, press officer of the Italian Winter Sports Federation, on the shoulder. Then he hands her his phone. "Tomba's on the line," he says. A brief murmur goes through the group.

"Are you going to win gold in the slalom now too?" Alberto Tomba

“Ciao, Albi,” Brignone said, clearly pleased by the call, and quickly added: “You’re on speakerphone, everyone can hear you.” “Fede, great compliment,” said Tomba, considered the most popular skier of all time in Italy. He’s also known for always having a witty remark ready. And he had one for Brignone as well.

Two champions: Federica Brignone and Alberto Tomba. © ANSA / ANSA

"Fede, are you going to do the slalom now too, to get your third gold?" the 59-year-old joked. Brignone, who competes in all disciplines except slalom, had a witty reply. "The only slalom I'm still doing is the one at the Austria House," the 35-year-old said, alluding to the upcoming party. Tomba then wanted to know how "Fede" was feeling. "Incredulous, simply incredulous," Brignone replied.

Compagnoni's congratulations

Just a few minutes later, press officer Facchinetti's mobile phone rings again. This time it's Deborah Compagnoni on the other end of the line. In 1998, she was the last Italian woman to win Olympic gold in the giant slalom – until Brignone came along.

“Fede, luckily I was home alone today, so no one could hear me cheering. You were simply fantastic. I was thinking about everything you've had to go through these past few months – it's truly a huge compliment for what you've accomplished. You're simply amazing,” said the 55-year-old. Brignone was visibly delighted by these special congratulations.