Italian alpine skier Federica Brignone is set to make her comeback in Tuesday's Audi FIS World Cup giant slalom in Kronplatz, her first race since a double leg break in April 2025. The 35-year-old, last season's overall World Cup champion, emphasized that the event is a test for her recovery amid ongoing pain. Her participation in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics remains uncertain.
Federica Brignone, the 2025 giant slalom world champion and overall World Cup winner with 10 victories across three disciplines last season, suffered a severe double leg break during training in April 2025, just after her triumphant campaign. The injury sidelined her for months, with Brignone unable to don her GS skis until after Christmas. She has managed only 13 days of training since then, progressing "day by day, run by run."
On Monday in Kronplatz, Italy, Brignone announced her decision to compete in the giant slalom, made just two days prior with her team. The slope holds fond memories, including a win in 2017 and third-place finishes in 2018 and 2023. "It's a test about my mind and my body to race because we don't know," she told reporters. "OK we train but when you train it's not with the same conditions. You don't do two runs separated by three-four hours."
Brignone has endured constant pain since the injury, particularly around the tibia, fibula, and knee, making skiing more challenging than daily life. "Every single day there was a moment when I thought I wouldn't make it," she admitted. "I haven't had a day without feeling pain since the day I injured myself, even just in my everyday business."
Looking ahead, the Olympics in Milan-Cortina, starting February 8 with the women's downhill, represent a "big goal," but Brignone is cautious. As one of Italy's flag bearers, she aims to race the Super G and possibly the Downhill, depending on further training and team selection. "I don't think any athlete could say that they'll participate in the Olympic Games until they've got their skiing sticks out," she said. For now, her focus is completing the two runs in Kronplatz, scheduled for 10:30 CET and 13:30 CET.
While the head of the Italian Olympic Committee affirmed her participation in December, Brignone prioritizes short-term recovery over long-term commitments, viewing her mere return as a victory.