Brignone, a ski great, begins a hard fight to regain fitness

Federica Brignone, an Italian skier, wants to walk again before considering competing in next year’s Winter Olympics in her native country.

Brignone was released from the hospital last Tuesday, just five days after breaking many bones in her left leg and ripping her ACL in a giant slalom collision at the Italian championships.

The injuries called into question Brignone’s 34-year-old hopes of competing in the winter Games in 10 months. The World Cup overall champion was projected to be one of Italy’s top performers at the Milan-Cortina Games.

“I do not know. “We’re not doctors, and they don’t know,” Brignone remarked on Monday when asked when she expected to be able to put on her skis again.

“The outcome of physiotherapy is dependent on my body’s response. But until four or five months, it’s impossible, even if everything goes smoothly.

“Step by step.” First, I’m thinking of walking again, and then we’ll see what happens. It is pointless to think badly.

Brignone stated that further testing would be performed 45 days following the procedure to better understand her concerns.

Nonetheless, she smiled when she talked at a media day hosted by the Italian Winter Sports Federation, appearing via video connection prior to her first physiotherapy treatment.

“I’m an extremely positive person. “What happened to me was not nice, but it happened, and I can’t go back in time,” she explained. “So it’s pointless to think badly. I’m just trying to be optimistic and get through it in the best manner possible.

Federica Brignone races down the track just before her mishap at the Italian Championships. (AP Photo)

“I want to work for small aims, small steps and I’ll try to give my utmost to get better as quick as possible and in the best way possible.”

Brignone also released an Instagram post on Monday of photographs showing her with the whole crystal globe and finishing with a shot of her injuries, with a lengthy line of stitches or staples running down her leg.

Brignone’s last season was his greatest yet, and the incident occurred during the Italian championships, which were supposed to be a joyful last week of racing.

Brignone, who won the giant slalom at the world championships in February, won 10 World Cups this season in three disciplines: five giant slaloms, three super-Gs, and two downhills. At the age of 34, she became the oldest woman to win a World Cup race.

Sofia Goggia, a comrade who has had several injuries, called Brignone immediately following the event.

“We spoke that very day she hurt herself,” Goggia remarked during Milan’s media day. “I phoned the federation’s doctor to enquire about her, and they were both at the hospital, so he sent her to me.

“I then reiterated in a message that I would have wanted to be there, seeing unfortunately the experience I’ve had over the years.”

Goggia tore a cruciate ligament and fractured a bone in her leg less than a month before the 2022 Beijing Olympics, yet she earned silver in the downhill, four years after winning gold.

The 32-year-old also missed the start of the previous season after breaking two bones in her leg in February 2024. Goggia placed second in a downhill and won a super-G in her first two races back, both at Beaver Creek in December.

“In my opinion her (Brignone’s) injury is very serious, but if she manages to heal well and put on skis in December she will have plenty of time to prepare for the Olympics in the best possible way,” Goggia told reporters.

Skiing Power Couple Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde Announce Their Engagement

In a heartwarming announcement that has thrilled fans of alpine skiing around the globe, Olympic and World Cup champions Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde have revealed that they are officially engaged. The news marks a joyful milestone for the beloved couple, both of whom have long been considered superstars in the skiing world. With their deep personal bond and shared passion for the slopes, their engagement is more than a romantic development—it’s a celebration of two extraordinary athletes finding love amidst the peaks and valleys of competitive sport.

A Love Story Carved in Snow

Mikaela Shiffrin, the American ski phenom known for her technical brilliance and record-breaking victories, and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, the Norwegian speedster renowned for his strength in downhill and super-G events, have been together publicly since 2021. Over the years, they’ve cultivated not only an inspiring partnership but also a public persona that has captivated fans across continents. Their relationship blossomed quietly at first, rooted in mutual respect, a shared understanding of the intense demands of elite skiing, and a genuine admiration for one another’s work ethic and determination.

Shiffrin and Kilde have often supported each other on and off the slopes, providing comfort in the face of injuries, setbacks, and the relentless pressure that comes with performing on the world stage. They have both spoken openly about how their relationship has positively influenced their mental and emotional well-being, allowing them to grow both as athletes and individuals.

Champions in Their Own Right

Mikaela Shiffrin, widely regarded as one of the greatest alpine skiers in history, boasts a staggering list of achievements: multiple Olympic medals, numerous World Championship titles, and more World Cup wins than any other woman in history. Her precision, grace, and consistency have made her a legend in the sport and a role model for young athletes everywhere.

Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, on the other hand, is a dominant force in the speed disciplines. With a World Cup overall title to his name and multiple discipline globes, he has proven himself to be a relentless competitor with a powerful skiing style. Kilde’s resilience—especially following injuries—has earned him admiration for his tenacity and perseverance.

Together, they form a skiing dream team, representing not only their respective nations with pride but also the spirit of athletic excellence and unity.

The Engagement Announcement

The engagement was announced via heartfelt social media posts, where both Shiffrin and Kilde shared glimpses of the special moment. The response was swift and overwhelming, with congratulations pouring in from fellow athletes, fans, and sports organizations worldwide. The couple’s shared joy was palpable, and their followers were delighted to witness a moment of such personal significance in the lives of two people who give so much of themselves to their sport.

Though the pair have kept some details private, they both expressed deep gratitude for the support and love they’ve received throughout their journey. It’s a rare gift to find someone who understands the unique rhythms of an elite athlete’s life, and Shiffrin and Kilde appear to have found just that in each other.

Looking Ahead: A Life Beyond the Slopes

As the couple steps into this new chapter, they remain committed to their skiing careers. Both athletes continue to train and compete at the highest levels, with their eyes set on future competitions and possibly the next Winter Olympic Games. Their engagement, however, adds an extra dimension to their already rich story—proof that love can flourish even in the most competitive of environments.

Fans are already speculating about wedding plans, though neither has shared a date or location. What is clear, though, is that the wedding—whenever and wherever it takes place—will be a celebration not just of their union, but of a journey marked by passion, resilience, and shared dreams.

A Relationship that Inspires

In a world where professional athletes often struggle to maintain balance between personal and professional lives, Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde stand as a shining example of how love and career can coexist—and even thrive—together. Their relationship reminds us that behind the medals and accolades are two individuals with hearts as big as their ambitions.

As the ski season moves forward and fans cheer them on in upcoming competitions, the world now celebrates something even greater: the promise of a future built together, on and off the slopes. Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde’s engagement is not just a union of two athletes, but a union of kindred spirits whose love story continues to inspire.

Congratulations to the happy couple!