Uncertainty still surrounds Nadia Delago. © APA/afp / STEFANO RELLANDINI

Between Delago's uncertainty and Vonn's bravery

Difficult conditions, delays, and many unanswered questions characterized the first women's Olympic downhill training run in Cortina. Soft, fresh snow, fog, and a modified finish jump allowed for only limited conclusions – both in terms of the athletes and the teams involved, much remains uncertain before the race.

February 06, 2026

From: do

The first women's Olympic downhill training run in Cortina was marked by difficult conditions. Large amounts of fresh snow presented the organizers with considerable challenges in getting the "Olimpia delle Tofane" course ready for racing in time. Besides the soft snow conditions, the final jump in particular raised safety concerns, as its takeoff angle was deemed too steep and had to be adjusted at short notice.

The athletes reacted accordingly, with caution. Many runners didn't push themselves to the limit, cautiously familiarizing themselves with the course and significantly reducing their speed, especially before the jumps. Several interruptions – including fog in the middle section of the course – further hampered a smooth training session.

Sofia Goggia also had to be patient. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

After a delay of almost two hours, the first day of practice was finally completed. Jacqueline Wiles took the training victory in 1:38.94 minutes, ahead of Norway's Kajsa Vickhoff Lie (+0,66) and Germany's Kira Weidle-Winkelmann (+0,97).

From the Azzurre's point of view, Sofia Goggia finished eighth (+1,17), Laura Pirovano ninth (+1,24), Federica Brignone twelfth (+1,72), Nicol Delago 19th (+2,25), Elena Curtoni 24th (+2,56), and Nadia Delago 28th (+3,10).

Delago's participation depends on Brignone

Uncertainty still reigns among the Italian team. Brignone, who recently returned to the alpine skiing circuit after a long rehabilitation, is still unsure whether she will compete in the downhill: "I don't know yet if I will race the downhill. That will be decided shortly. I have to see if I'm physically ready or if I should concentrate on the other disciplines." Her decision also affects Nadia Delago: Should Brignone start, there would be no starting place available for the skier from Val Gardena; otherwise, it will be decided between her and Elena Curtoni (a qualifying run in the second training run could determine that).

Another major topic was Lindsey Vonn's appearance. The American had suffered a serious fall in Crans-Montana a week earlier, tearing her ACL. Despite serious doubts about her fitness, the 41-year-old, wearing bib number 10 and a brace, started the training run and finished in eleventh place. During the breaks, Vonn appeared to be in good spirits and was filmed with teammates performing a dance routine at the starting line.

Lindsey Vonn suffers a torn cruciate ligament on the Olympic course. © APA/afp / FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT

A total of 47 runners were at the starting line. The conditions – soft, slow, uneven, and hampered by fog – made it difficult to draw conclusions about the actual strength of the athletes. Perhaps the second training run on Saturday will provide more precise information.

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