Federica Brignone, the reigning overall World Cup skiing champion, was released from the hospital on Tuesday five days after suffering multiple fractures in her left leg during a giant slalom crash and undergoing surgery.
“I still don’t know how long recovery will take,” Brignone said while seated in a wheelchair outside the La Madonnina clinic in Milan. “We’re going to take it step by step. Post-surgery rehab starts Monday, and from there we’ll see how my leg responds and plan accordingly.”
In addition to the fractures, Brignone also tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), casting uncertainty over her participation in the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are just 10 months away. She was expected to be one of Italy’s biggest hopes at the home Games.
“I’m not the type to give up,” she said. “I believe everything happens for a reason.”
Following the crash at the Italian national championships held at the Lusia ski area in Val di Fassa, Brignone was airlifted to a hospital in Trento before being transferred to Milan for same-day surgery.
“I only realized after the operation how serious the situation was,” she admitted. “The medical team’s swift action was crucial in avoiding further complications.”
Andrea Panzeri, head of medical services for the Italian Winter Sports Federation, noted that it’s too soon to determine when Brignone might return to competition. “We’ll need at least 45 days before we can establish a recovery timeline,” he said.
Brignone had a stellar season, capturing 10 World Cup victories across giant slalom, super-G, and downhill events. She also claimed the world title in giant slalom and a silver medal in super-G this past February. At 34, she became the oldest woman to win a World Cup race.
“This was the best season of my life,” Brignone reflected. “But when skiing is your profession, injuries are always a possibility.”
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