Italian skiing star Federica Brignone has undergone surgery following a serious crash during a training session earlier this week. The 34-year-old Olympic medalist and World Cup champion suffered multiple injuries after losing control mid-run on a technical section of the course.
According to a statement released by the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI), Brignone sustained a complex fracture to her left leg along with ligament damage to her knee. She was immediately airlifted to a medical facility in Milan, where she underwent successful surgery late Thursday night. Doctors confirmed that the operation went smoothly and that she has begun the early stages of recovery.
“Federica is in stable condition and in good spirits,” the statement read. “The medical team is optimistic about her rehabilitation timeline, though a full return to competition will depend on how her recovery progresses over the next few months.”
The crash comes at a crucial point in Brignone’s career, as she had been preparing intensively for the upcoming World Cup events. Widely regarded as one of Italy’s greatest alpine skiers, Brignone has accumulated over 50 World Cup podiums and made history in 2020 by becoming the first Italian woman to win the overall World Cup title.
Fans and fellow athletes from around the world have flooded social media with messages of support. Longtime rival Mikaela Shiffrin tweeted, “Sending love and strength to Federica. Hoping for a smooth and strong recovery.”
While it’s too soon to predict a return date, FISI emphasized that Brignone’s focus now is on healing and regaining strength. More updates on her condition and recovery progress are expected in the coming weeks. For now, the skiing world waits and hopes for the speedy return of one of its brightest stars.
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