Federica Brignone: Italian Legend Defies Injury for Milan-Cortina 2026

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, 08 February 2026 — The eyes of the sporting world are fixed on the Tofane slope today as Federica Brignone, Italy’s most decorated female alpine skier, attempts a miraculous competitive return at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Just ten months after a devastating crash that threatened to end her career, Brignone’s presence on the Olympic stage serves as the emotional heartbeat of the home Games.

The Road to Recovery: A Race Against Time

Brignone’s journey to the 2026 Games has been defined by resilience. In April 2025, during the Italian Championships, the double overall World Cup champion suffered multiple leg fractures and a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). While many speculated that the injury would force the 35-year-old into retirement, Brignone began an intensive rehabilitation programme to ensure she could compete in her final Olympic cycle on home snow.

Despite admitting just 24 hours ago that she was “still assessing her physical condition,” Brignone has shown flashes of her legendary speed. After finishing 12th in the initial training sessions, she improved to 7th in the final downhill training run, proving that her technical prowess remains intact despite the lack of a functional ACL.

A Career of Historic Milestones

Federica Brignone has long been the standard-bearer for Italian winter sports. In 2020, she became the first Italian woman to win the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup overall title. She repeated this feat in 2025, securing her second Crystal Globe just weeks before her injury. Known for her versatility, she has dominated across Giant Slalom, Super-G, and Combined events.

World Cup Statistics and Achievements

Brignone holds the record for the most World Cup podiums by an Italian woman, surpassing legends such as Deborah Compagnoni. Her longevity is equally historic; she is currently the oldest woman to win a World Cup race, with 22 of her 37 victories coming after the age of 30.

The Final Season: Home Snow Advantage

The 2025/26 season is widely expected to be Brignone’s final year in professional skiing. Competing in Cortina d’Ampezzo provides a “home-field advantage” that the Italian federation hopes will propel her to one last Olympic podium. She faces stiff competition from a returning Lindsey Vonn and Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami, but Brignone’s intimate knowledge of the Italian Dolomites remains her greatest asset.

Recent Form and Results

Before the Olympic break, Brignone showed she was still a force to be reckoned with. In late January 2026, she secured a 13th-place finish in the Super-G at Crans Montana, a vital result that confirmed her fitness for the Olympic selection. Her performance in Val di Fassa earlier this season also saw her maintaining a top-tier ranking in the overall standings despite her ongoing recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Federica Brignone retired?

No. While she suffered a career-threatening injury in April 2025, she is currently competing in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. However, she has indicated that the 2025/26 season will likely be her last.

How many World Cup titles has Brignone won?

Federica Brignone has won two overall World Cup titles (2020 and 2025) and five discipline titles throughout her career.

What was Federica Brignone’s injury?

In April 2025, Brignone suffered multiple leg fractures and a torn ACL. She has opted to compete in the 2026 Olympics despite the ACL injury not being fully surgically reconstructed, describing the ligament as “100% gone” during recent interviews.

Is she the most successful Italian female skier?

Yes, in terms of World Cup podiums and overall titles, Brignone is the most successful female alpine skier in Italian history, holding the record with 83 podium finishes.