Federica Brignone’s Injury: Fear of Losing Normal Mobility

After winning overall in both downhill and giant slalom, and overall in the world cup, Federica Brignone was to end the season with the Italian championship.

But on the way down the giant slalom run, things went horribly wrong.

A heavy fall, even with two fractures in her foot and torn cruciate ligament, and she was sent straight to hospital.

The morning after the accident she woke up and looked down at the damage. She was almost shocked.

– What f*** happened? I didn’t think it was that serious, she tells NRK that she thought.

Fear she could not walk normally

There and then she was uncertain about the future. She feared the worst.

– For me, it was not entirely certain that I would return to a normal life again, so I am just happy that it has gone so well. That is the most important thing, he continued.

– So it was not certain that you could walk normally again, asks NRK.

– It wasn’t safe, she says.

The Italian Ski Federation stated at the time that Brignone had undergone a successful operation for a double fracture in the leg. She was put on the operating table just a few hours after the crash in the giant slalom race in Val di Fassa.

Olympics at home in danger

A year ago she was at the top of the podium after the season opener in Sölden, Austria. This year she was an assistant.

– I feel well and am happy to be here and see everyone from the skiing family. For me, it’s good after six months of training. It’s fantastic, actually, she says with a big smile on her face.

Superstar Mikaela Shiffrin is well aware that her competitor is gone from the alpine circus.

– It’s strange not to see her at the start, but it’s good to see her here. I’m crossing my fingers that the training goes well, and that she will be all right. I really hope we get to see her at the start again, says the American.

In February, the Olympics are held in Italy. It is highly uncertain whether Brignone will start there.

– I don’t know. It is something I want, but it is not the goal in my life.

Since the injury, it has only been training the body.

– Based on the injury I got, it’s going well, but there’s still a way to go before I’m back as an athlete again, but I’m working hard.

She says that it is more important to have a good life than to risk too much in alpine skiing, but she will still try to come back as soon as possible.

One less competitor

Norwegian alpinist Kajsa Vickhoff Lie says that the 35-year-old Italian is one of her very best friends in the World Cup.

– It was really cool to see her back walking, happy and smiling as usual. I really miss her now before the start, and I’ll miss her at speed races too. I have met her many times outside of skiing, and she is a really cool lady.

With Brignone out with an injury, there is a greater chance for the others to seize the top positions.

– You look at the positions, and if you can get up, that’s good, says the Norwegian alpinist with a sly smile, when asked if it’s good or bad that last year’s superb alpinist is out.

Before he rushes in and shoots in:

– But I really miss Federica. She contributes so much to the sport.

Thea Louise Stjernesund votes in:

– People like her are so important to the sport. I will never forget when I drove my first race in the World Cup. She welcomed me with open arms, gave me a hug and wondered if I should run my first race.

– It’s cool with people who drive insanely fast. Although it is annoying to have to compete against them, I think it lifts us. I want her to start as soon as possible, says Stjernesund.

Few people know whether Brignone will start this season. She herself says this about a possible comeback.

– I am positive for this season, but that would be madness, he concludes.