Italian skier Federica Brignone has positioned herself for a potential Olympic gold medal in the women’s super-G event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo. On February 8, Brignone completed her run with a time of 1:23.41, placing her ahead of the competition and marking a significant milestone in her recovery journey. This performance comes less than a year after she sustained multiple fractures in her left leg, requiring two surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
Brignone’s remarkable comeback has captured attention, particularly given the challenging conditions she faced during her run. The course, known as Trofane, was shrouded in fog, making visibility tough. Despite this, she managed to navigate the technical elements of the course with a blend of speed and precision. As she crossed the finish line, Brignone raised her poles in celebration, a moment witnessed by high-profile figures such as IOC President Kirsty Coventry and Italy President Sergio Mattarella.
If her time holds, Brignone will not only secure her first Olympic gold but will also become the oldest female gold medalist in women’s alpine skiing. This gold medal would further enhance her impressive Olympic record, as she previously earned a silver medal in super-G and a bronze in the team event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, along with a bronze in Pyeongchang in 2018.
Brignone’s path to this moment has been fraught with challenges. The competitive landscape in the super-G event featured renowned athletes who struggled under the pressure. Notably, Breezy Johnson from the United States encountered difficulties early in her run, colliding with a gate and falling into the catch fence but fortunately managing to get back on her feet. Other prominent contenders, including Sofia Goggia, the current World Cup season leader in super-G, and Ester Ledecka, the gold medalist from the 2018 Olympics, also faced elimination before completing their runs.
The atmosphere in Cortina was electric as Brignone finished her run, with enthusiastic support from the crowd. Dressed in the familiar colors of Italy—red, white, and green—Brignone’s presence as one of four flag bearers during the opening ceremony added to the emotional weight of her performance.
In a light-hearted moment prior to the games, Brignone, still dealing with discomfort from her leg injury, asked fellow athlete Amos Mosaner to carry her on his shoulders. This gesture allowed her to proudly wave the Italian flag, showcasing her spirit and determination.
As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on Brignone to see if she can complete her inspiring journey with an Olympic gold medal, a fitting reward for her resilience and dedication to the sport.
