Flavio Roda with superstar Federica Brignone. © Pentaphoto

Wierer, Brignone, coach resignation: Now the FISI boss speaks out

After the grand farewell to Dorothea Wierer, Flavio Roda, the president of Italy's Winter Sports Federation, faced the press in Antholz – and gave his personal assessment of the Olympics.

February 23, 2026

From Antholz

For 16 days, the Winter Olympics in northern Italy created a state of absolute emergency. They ended on Sunday. Flavio Roda, president of the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI), faced the press late Saturday afternoon in the snowstorm of Antholz and took stock of the event. Roda spoke about…

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… the resignation of Dorothea Wierer: "That was emotional! Dorothea made Italy fall in love with biathlon. Not only is a great athlete retiring, but also a great personality. I'm sorry because something very important will be missing in the future."

… biathlon in Italy: "As Doro has said several times at the Olympics: This sport needs to be more visible in our country. I find it absurd that the Biathlon World Cup still has no place on national television. We not only achieve excellent results in biathlon, but also promote many young athletes."

Doro Wierer, an icon of biathlon, has retired. © ANSA / PIERRE TEYSSOT

… the incredible performance of Federica Brignone: "It was simply totally unrealistic that Brignone would win a medal – and then she even won two golds. What more can you say? We'll see what her future holds. She'll finish the season now, and I'm pretty sure she'll continue for at least another winter. I hope she stays with us as long as possible."

"I feel sorry for the slalom team, which constantly has to cope with these changes." Flavio Roda

… his personal highlights: “Brignone has of course written a special story, but Flora Tabanelli also stuck in my mind. This young athlete practically went into the competition without a cruciate ligament, had hardly trained beforehand – and won the bronze medal.”

… the resignation of slalom coach Mauro Pini after only six months: "He told me he didn't feel able to participate in the last two races. We therefore need to meet again in Milan to sort out the contractual matters. What I regret most is that our slalom team constantly has to cope with these changes. The continuity is completely lost here, and that hurts."