Urgent Update: Brignone Faces Olympic Uncertainty After Leg Injury

UPDATE: Italian ski champion Federica Brignone faces a precarious path to recovery as she battles leg injuries just months ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympics. The 35-year-old skier, who shattered multiple bones and tore her ACL during a giant slalom crash at the Italian Championships in April, is uncertain when she will return to competition.

With less than four months remaining before the Winter Games kick off in February, Brignone’s future hangs in the balance. “I don’t think I’ll be able to get back to exactly how I was before,” she stated during a media day organized by the Italian winter sports federation. This admission underscores the gravity of her situation as she undergoes extensive rehabilitation.

Brignone, who claimed the overall World Cup title along with the giant slalom and downhill crystal globes in her best season yet, is now focused on healing. “Since I hurt myself, I have not had precise dates. It’s very complicated to be able to give those,” she explained. Her current rehabilitation regimen spans approximately seven hours each day, and while progress is evident—she recently mastered going up and down stairs—Brignone acknowledges the uncertainty of her return to the slopes.

“I don’t know when I’ll be back on the slopes, certainly not November,” she added. The implications are significant, as Brignone was anticipated to be one of the standout athletes representing Italy at the Olympics. “Honestly, until I put my skis back on, I don’t know if I’ll be able to ski at the Olympics,” she admitted, highlighting the competitive nature of the Italian ski team and the potential for others to take her place if necessary.

“It’s not these Olympics that will change my life, change my career,” Brignone remarked. “I’ve done what I’ve done and in fact I achieved much more than I could have ever dreamed of.”

Despite the daunting challenge ahead, Brignone remains optimistic. “Obviously I’m confident, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing everything that I’m doing,” she stated, showing her determination to return to peak form. The emotional weight of the situation resonates as she reflects on her aspirations: “It would be a beautiful dream to compete at home.”

As Brignone continues her rehabilitation journey, all eyes will be on her progress in the coming weeks. The ski community and fans alike are hoping for a miraculous recovery that could see her back on the slopes for the 2026 Winter Olympics. For now, Brignone’s resilience serves as an inspiration, and her story is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports.

Stay tuned for further updates on Brignone’s recovery and potential return to competition as the Olympics approach.