Ski superstar Federica Brignone. © ANSA / DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

After Olympic victory: Brignone causes puzzlement

Federica Brignone is the queen of Cortina d'Ampezzo. On Sunday, the 35-year-old won her second gold medal in just a few days. However, some questions remained afterward.

February 15, 2026

From Cortina d'Ampezzo

The two runners-up, Sara Hector and Thea Louise Stjernesund, who kneel before her. The fans, who chant "Fede, Fede, Fede" continuously. Her teammates, who practically mob her. Yes, Federica Brignone won on Sunday. He caused great emotions in the Olympic giant slalom and won the gold medal again. Following her Super-G triumph, this was her second gold medal in just a few days. With this victory, the 35-year-old cemented her status as a legend.

“That was truly a masterpiece today,” Brignone said afterwards in the mixed zone. “I had no expectations for the Super-G; I just went in and won gold. Of course, you then ask yourself some questions for the giant slalom, especially when you're leading in the first run. I was a little nervous before the second run, but when I crossed the finish line and heard the immense cheers, it was simply amazing!” Brignone added.

Federica Brignone is a two-time Olympic champion. © APA/afp / TIZIANA FABI

Two gold medals within a few days – that alone is an incredible achievement. But Brignone's story makes it even more heroic. At the beginning of April, she suffered a brutal fall, fracturing her shinbone in multiple places, an injury she now says: "My injury will never fully heal." And yet, she somehow fought her way back, celebrated her World Cup comeback at Kronplatz shortly before the Olympics – and is now a two-time Olympic champion. Gold at the Winter Games was the one thing missing from her career.

"Please don't ask me about my future." Federico Brignone

Perhaps that's why the question of Brignone's future has been repeatedly raised in Cortina d'Ampezzo in recent days. And whether the skier Brignone's career will continue at all. "I'm here today, just as I wanted to be, and I'm enjoying every day. Next week I'll be going to JMedical (Juventus football club's rehabilitation center, ed.) and then I'll decide what to do next," said Brignone.

Brignone was celebrated by her team. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

The woman from Aosta adds: “I’ve persevered until today, yes! But I’ve always taken painkillers. So now it’s clear to me: Either I can ski without taking painkillers or anything else, and otherwise…” When asked, Brignone emphasizes: “Please don’t ask me about my future, I don’t know myself.”

Party at Casa Italia and Austria House

The big question is: Will Brignone continue or will she retire at the peak of her career after winning double gold? This topic will likely fuel speculation and guesswork for the next few hours. For now, however, Brignone wants to savor her incredible triumphs. After winning the gold medal in the Super-G, she celebrated first at Casa Italia and then at the Austria House. This party marathon will be repeated on Sunday!