Federica Brignone’s return to competitive skiing is uncertain just 10 months before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortico. The Italian ski champion suffered a severe injury in a giant slalom crash during the Italian National Championships on April 3, 2025. She sustained multiple fractures in her left leg, including a comminous tibial plateau fracture and a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which required emergency surgery.
She broke her tibia and fibula in her left leg, requiring surgery with a metal plate and screws, and the ACL tear hasn’t been operated on yet, as doctors are prioritizing the healing of her tibia before proceeding with ACL reconstruction.
Given the severity of her injuries, Brignone’s road to recovery will be long and challenging. Doctors estimate it will take at least 4-5 months before she can even think about returning to skiing, with some predicting it could take up to 9 months for full recovery. This timeline puts her participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics in doubt.
Her immediate focus is on learning to walk again after surgery. After walking, she’ll progress to weight-bearing rehab and eventually skiing drills. Full recovery from ACL reconstruction can take 6-9 months.
Even if Brignone recovers quickly, her skiing technique and confidence may be affected, making it harder for her to regain her competitive edge. Her teammate, Sofia Goggia, who has also faced serious injuries, believes Brignone can still make a strong comeback if she heals well and starts training in December.
Brignone has been discharged from the hospital and is set to begin post-surgery rehabilitation. She’s maintaining a positive attitude, saying, “I’m not someone who gives up.” Follow-up tests 45 days after surgery will provide a clearer picture of her recovery timeline.
With her sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics, Brignone faces a daunting challenge. While her determination and resilience are key factors in her potential recovery, the months ahead will be crucial in determining whether she can make a successful comeback.
