Skier Federica Brignone Wins Gold Medal Despite Bad Injury

Federica Brignone, an Italian skier, won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in the Super-G race. She did this less than a year after a serious injury. She said she did not train as much as she wanted and still feels pain, making her win feel like a dream.
By Newsroom | Winter Sports, Italy |

The Winter Olympics saw a remarkable comeback performance by Italian skier Federica Brignone, who secured a gold medal in the Super-G event despite a devastating injury sustained less than a year prior. This victory is particularly notable given her admission of inadequate preparation and persistent pain, leading her to express that her presence and success at the Games felt "unimaginable." The triumph, achieved on home snow, has been hailed as a testament to her resilience and determination by fellow athletes and observers.

Federica Brignone Crash: 'I Shouldn't Be Here' — How Did She Win Olympic Gold Against All Odds? - 1

A Challenging Path to Victory

Federica Brignone's journey to Olympic gold was marked by significant adversity. A severe crash in April of the previous year resulted in a torn ACL and multiple fractured bones, casting considerable doubt on her participation in the Milan-Cortina Games. This injury not only threatened her career but also led to prolonged periods of recovery, including multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Brignone has spoken openly about experiencing constant pain since the incident, a reality that impacted her training regimen. She stated, "I definitely didn’t do the work I wanted to do to properly prepare for the Olympic Games," underscoring the limited preparation she was able to undertake.

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Federica Brignone Crash: 'I Shouldn't Be Here' — How Did She Win Olympic Gold Against All Odds? - 2

Evidence of Resilience and Pain

  • Personal Accounts: Brignone herself described the daily struggle with pain, stating, "I’ve never had a single day without pain, so I’ve also gotten a bit used to it." She also revealed instances where the pain was so significant that she was unable to complete training sessions, sometimes opting to "go up to the slope, put my boots on, and take them off again."

  • Severity of Injury: The accident in April involved a torn ACL and multiple broken bones, injuries that are often career-threatening in alpine skiing. This incident occurred just three days after she had already secured a gold medal in the super-G event.

  • Impact on Performance: Despite the physical challenges, Brignone was able to compete and win. Her victory margin in the Super-G was 0.41 seconds ahead of silver medalist Romane Miradoli, indicating a strong performance on the day.

The Weight of Home Advantage and Pressure

Competing at the Olympics in her home country, Milan-Cortina, added another layer of significance to Brignone's performance. This home advantage, however, was coupled with the intense pressure to succeed.

Read More: Italian News: Scott McTominay's Time at Napoli Gets Mixed Reviews

Federica Brignone Crash: 'I Shouldn't Be Here' — How Did She Win Olympic Gold Against All Odds? - 3

  • Emotional Significance: Brignone expressed shock and disbelief upon crossing the finish line, stating, "I can't believe" the victory. This reaction suggests the profound emotional impact of achieving such a success under challenging circumstances and on home soil.

  • Peer Recognition: Fellow skiers, including downhill champion Breezy Johnson, acknowledged the extraordinary nature of Brignone's comeback. Johnson commented, "To come through what she's done and then to pull this off today is pretty incredible." The sentiment was shared by her rivals, who were described as being "almost as delighted" as Brignone herself.

A History of Olympic Success

This Super-G gold is Brignone's first Olympic gold medal, achieved in her fifth Olympic appearance. Prior to this, her Olympic record included:

EventMedalYear
Giant SlalomSilverBeijing
Giant SlalomBronzePyeongchang
CombinedBronzeFour years ago

Her victory in the Super-G at the age of 35 also marks a significant achievement, making her one of the oldest gold medalists in her sport's Olympic history.

Expert and Peer Commentary

  • Rivalry and Respect: The camaraderie among skiers was evident. Cornelia Huetter, who won bronze, was mentioned alongside Brignone, with the sentiment that "I love those girls." This highlights a professional respect that transcends competition.

  • Definition of Greatness: Brignone's performance is seen as a powerful illustration of what the Olympics represent. One observer noted, "And then there’s Chloe Kim… For Chloe Kim, it was a third medal but not a three-peat," juxtaposing Brignone's comeback against other notable narratives of the Games.

Conclusion and Future Implications

Federica Brignone's Olympic Super-G gold medal represents a profound victory over significant physical challenges and personal doubt. Her admission of limited preparation and ongoing pain underscores the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level under such circumstances. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of athletes and the emotional depth of the Olympic Games, particularly when experienced on home terrain. While Brignone has achieved a career-defining moment, the long-term effects of her injury and the recovery process remain a personal journey. Her ability to perform at this level, despite the ongoing pain and reduced preparation, prompts contemplation of the factors that contribute to elite athletic success beyond mere physical conditioning.

Read More: Team GB Wins Two Golds on Big Winter Sports Day

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What injury did Federica Brignone have?
She tore her ACL and broke several bones. This happened less than a year before her win.
Q: Did she train a lot for the Olympics?
No, she said she did not get to train as much as she wanted. She also felt pain often.
Q: How did she feel about winning?
She was very surprised and happy. She said it felt "unimaginable" to win gold.
Q: Was this her first Olympic medal?
No, she has won other Olympic medals before, but this is her first gold medal.
Q: Did other skiers think her win was special?
Yes, other skiers were very happy for her. They said her comeback after the injury was amazing.