Italian skier Federica Brignone made history at the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Just 315 days after a devastating accident that nearly ended her career, the 35-year-old athlete won a gold medal in the super-G. She thus became the oldest Olympic champion in alpine skiing. This triumph, hailed by media and experts as the 'Miracle in Cortina,' crowns a heroic rehabilitation and extraordinary fighting spirit.

Historic Age Record

Federica Brignone at 35 years old became the oldest gold medalist in Olympic history in alpine events, breaking the record of Aksel Lund Svindal.

Return After Severe Injury

The victory came just 315 days after an accident in which the skier suffered a tibia fracture, fibula fracture, and torn ligaments in her left leg.

Recognition from Head of State

The President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, personally congratulated the athlete, emphasizing that her success is a pride for all of Italy and proof of the strength of the national spirit.

Italian skier Federica Brignone achieved a feat that will be permanently recorded in the annals of world sports. On Thursday, on the famous Olimpia delle Tofana slope, the Italian won the Olympic gold medal in super-G. This success is all the more spectacular because just 10 months ago, Brignone suffered complex fractures in her left leg and a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The surgeon who operated on the athlete, Dr. Andrea Panzeri, openly admitted that returning to full fitness in such a short time, let alone winning the highest laurel, was almost unimaginable from a medical perspective. Federica Brignone is one of the most decorated alpine skiers in Italian history. In 2020, she became the first representative of her country to win the Crystal Globe for victory in the overall World Cup standings.At the finish line, Brignone beat French skier Romane Miradoli and Austrian Cornelia Huetter. Her run was watched by the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, who personally congratulated her after the competition. The athlete herself admitted in emotional interviews that the recovery process involved immense pain that persists to this day. „I didn't even know if I would return to professional sports after the accident.” — Federica Brignone The athlete's family emphasizes that a key moment for her motivation was being announced as the flag bearer for the Italian team. 315 days — passed from the severe accident to winning gold The audience in Cortina d'Ampezzo witnessed not only sporting competition but also a national celebration, highlighted by a flyover by the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team. Brignone's success has inspired Italian public opinion, serving as proof of resilience and strength of character in the face of adversity. A documentary film about the athlete's journey to this victory has already been announced. Despite suggestions from her father, who publicly appealed to his daughter to end her career and start a family, Federica is focusing on upcoming races, including the upcoming giant slalom. [{"pozycja": 1, "nazwa": "Federica Brignone", "info": "Italy", "wynik": "1:23.11"}, {"pozycja": 2, "nazwa": "Romane Miradoli", "info": "France", "wynik": "+0.05"}, {"pozycja": 3, "nazwa": "Cornelia Huetter", "info": "Austria", "wynik": "+0.41"}]

Mentioned People

  • Federica Brignone — Italian alpine skier, Olympic champion in super-G in 2026.
  • Andrea Panzeri — Orthopedic surgeon, head of the medical commission of the Italian Winter Sports Federation, who operated on Brignone.
  • Sergio Mattarella — President of Italy, present at the games during Brignone's triumph.
  • Davide Brignone — Brother and coach of Federica Brignone.
  • Maria Rosa Quario — Mother of Federica, a decorated alpine skier in the past.