Federica Brignone Resumes Training

Two hundred thirty-seven days have passed since the severe injury she sustained during the Italian National Championships. On April 3rd of last year, Federica Brignone fell ten seconds shy of completing the second run of the giant slalom, a race she was leading. Her arm became entangled in one of the course gates, triggering a particularly spectacular accident. As a result, she suffered a comminuted fracture with displacement of the tibial plateau and fibular head in her left leg, in addition to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee, as reported by the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI). The champion underwent emergency surgery in Milan.

The skier, who last season also won the Downhill and Giant Slalom Crystal Globes, has now received authorization from the FISI Medical Commission to return to training on snow. In this initial session, Brignone confined herself to a few descents on recreational skis, accompanied by technical staff from the Italian Winter Sports Federation, including her brother and coach, Davide Brignone. Also present was Giuseppe Abruzzini, head of the FISI physical therapy team.

The team's immediate goal is to reinforce her stability and boost her confidence during this initial phase. The recovery plan involves combining gym work with progressive on-piste training days over the coming weeks.

Brignone is now focused on the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, which will commence on February 6th. While she has expressed optimism about competing this winter, she maintains a cautious attitude. Consequently, her presence at the Olympic event — where Italy will be the host country — remains uncertain.