Federica Brignone injury puts Winter Olympics hopes in doubt

Italian skiing champion faces extended recovery after double leg fracture and ACL tear.

Federica Brignone of Italy reacts after finishing her second run in the women's giant slalom at the STIFEL FIS World Cup Finals at Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, on March 25, 2025. Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Italian alpine ski champion Federica Brignone has cast serious doubt on her participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics following a devastating injury. The Federica Brignone injury, sustained during her final race of the season, includes a double leg fracture and a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and doctors say there’s no chance she’ll return to the slopes within the next four months.

Brignone, a three-time Olympic medalist and one of Italy's most decorated winter athletes, had just finished one of the most dominant seasons of her career. She clinched her second overall World Cup title, along with the giant slalom and downhill crystal globes. But that glittering success now feels like a distant memory as the 34-year-old faces an uphill battle to be fit in time for the Milan-Cortina Games in February next year.

A devastating blow at the height of her powers

Brignone's injury was confirmed shortly after her last race of the 2024–25 World Cup season. She suffered compound fractures in both her tibia and fibula — an injury that required immediate surgery. It was during this procedure that surgeons also discovered the ACL tear in her left knee, further complicating her road to recovery.

“I don’t know when I’ll be able to ski again, and the doctors don’t know either,” Brignone said at a press conference in Milan. “Everything will depend on my rehabilitation, how I heal. Returning to action before the next four or five months is impossible.”

That timeline leaves a very narrow window for a possible comeback ahead of the Winter Olympics, with just 10 months left before the games begin.

One of the major concerns surrounding Brignone’s recovery is the ACL tear, which hasn’t been operated on yet. Doctors have prioritized the healing of her tibia before proceeding with treatment on the ligament.

“The ACL hasn’t been dealt with yet because we need the tibia to be completely healed before we can decide what to do,” she explained.

This delay introduces additional uncertainty. Once the tibia is healed, surgeons will need to reassess the ACL damage, potentially delaying her return even further. Rehabilitation from ACL surgery alone can take anywhere from six to nine months, making the possibility of Olympic participation even slimmer.

A career marked by resilience and excellence

Despite the severity of the Federica Brignone injury, the Italian star remains hopeful — if realistic — about her future.

“I can’t say that I’m not thinking about the Games, but I’m focused on something completely different for now,” she said. “Obviously, I’d prefer to be training with the team this week, do some equipment testing next week, celebrate my season and then go on holiday. But I’m sure I’ll get back to the life I love. It’s another challenge in my life and in my career, and I have to learn to accept it.”

Brignone’s determination is no surprise to fans who have followed her journey. The Courmayeur native made history in 2020 as the first Italian woman to win the overall World Cup title. Since then, she has consistently been among the best skiers in the world, amassing a total of 10 World Cup victories this season alone.

Brignone has three Olympic medals — silver in the giant slalom at PyeongChang 2018, and two bronzes from Beijing 2022. But an Olympic gold remains the one honor that has eluded her. The 2026 Games, held on home snow in Milan-Cortina, were seen as her last and best shot at completing her collection.

Now, that dream is in jeopardy. With only a short runway to full recovery and preparation, even qualifying for the Italian team could become an insurmountable task.

Yet Brignone’s track record and mental fortitude suggest she won’t go down without a fight. If there’s any chance to race — even just in one event — she’s likely to take it.

A symbolic moment in Milan

Her appearance in Milan coincided with the unveiling of the Olympic torch for the 2026 Games — a symbolic reminder of what’s at stake. While Brignone’s presence at the press event was a welcome sight for fans and media, it was clear that her focus has shifted entirely to healing and rebuilding.

In a bittersweet moment, the torch that symbolizes Olympic hopes and competition now represents a personal goal for Brignone — to get healthy in time to carry Italy’s hopes on her shoulders once again.

What comes next will depend on how her bones heal, how the ACL is treated, and how her body responds to months of rehab. The Federica Brignone injury is a significant setback, but the ski champion’s resolve could still make a difference.

With no major international competitions scheduled during the off-season, Brignone does have time — but not much. Every week will count.

Fans, teammates, and the Italian sporting community will be watching closely, hoping that one of their brightest winter stars can once again shine at the Olympic stage. Whether or not she competes in Milan-Cortina, Brignone’s legacy in skiing is already secure. But a comeback would be the ultimate chapter in a career built on grit, elegance, and excellence.