A complicated challenge to get back to your levels. Federica Brignone he faced a week of training on the snow, first with touring skis and then with giant skis. Thus began the long chase towards Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympicsafter the serious accident that threatened to abruptly end an extraordinary career on 3 April 2025.
The Aosta Valley champion had fallen during the Italian Alpine Skiing Championshipssuffering a displaced multi-fragmentary fracture of the tibial plateau and the head of the fibula of the left leg, as well as a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. A very serious injury, which required surgery and the start of a long, complex and delicate rehabilitation process.
Brignone herself recounted this crucial moment in Courmayeuron the occasion of the presentation of the book “Two lives. The parallel slalom with my daughter Federica Brignone”, signed by her mother Maria Rosa “Ninna” Quario. The event, hosted at the Chalet de l’Ange, recorded a great participation and was moderated by the former skier and technical voice Rai Alberto Schieppati. A work that intertwines the mother’s sporting history with that of her daughter and which served as the backdrop to an intimate, intense and sincere story.
During the meeting, the Italian also spoke about her role as standard bearer at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. “Knowing that I was among the candidates motivated me a lot. Carrying the flag at the Olympics is a huge pride. When they told me about it, about a week ago, it was a very strong emotion”. But enthusiasm does not erase clarity: “Nothing is decided. I continue to train and I know well that I have to proceed one step at a time“.
Recovery proceeds, but calibrating at 100%. “There are still kilometers and training to go, not just on skis. Significant physical preparation is needed: I usually prepare in seven months, here we are under two. I spent almost eight months in therapy to re-educate my body and I still haven’t gone back to what I was before. I haven’t faced real racing conditions on difficult terrain and that remains a question mark“, Brignone said.
The Olympic goal is clear, but for the champion from La Salle there are no compromises. “The Olympics cannot be a guest appearance. I want to present myself as close as possible to Federica as always and try 100%. However, if I am not feeling well or not being competitive, it is right to leave room for those who are faster. I would never take away a teammate’s seat just for being there“.
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