CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Federica Brignone just secured her spot as a skiing legend, winning her second Olympic gold medal. After facing a tough year, including a serious leg injury, she showed incredible strength and skill.
Brignone, 35, dazzled on the slopes, clinching the giant slalom title just days after winning the super-G. She finished an impressive 0.62 seconds ahead of her nearest competitors, Sara Hector from Sweden and Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund, who shared the silver.
Brignone reflected on her victory, saying, “I was almost too calm.” Despite doubts during her run, she was greeted with cheers upon crossing the finish line. Even Mikaela Shiffrin, a top American skier who finished 11th, acknowledged Brignone’s performance: “It was the greatest show of GS skiing that we’ve had in a really long time.”
Shiffrin may not have medaled this time, but her spirit remained high. “To be here now, within touch of the fastest women, that’s huge for me,” she shared, hinting at aspirations for her next race.
Brignone’s journey back to the top has been anything but easy. Last year, she suffered a severe injury that sidelined her for months. It took extensive surgery and rehabilitation just to walk again, making her Olympic triumph even sweeter.
Her remarkable comeback not only inspires her peers but also captivates fans who chanted her name during the medal ceremony. “This is better than a dream,” Brignone said, emphasizing the emotional weight of her achievements.
This victory adds to Brignone’s legacy, making her not just a champion but a symbol of resilience in sports.
For more on the Olympics, visit AP News.
Source link
Mikaela Shiffrin, Sara Hector, Alpine skiing, Thea Louise Stjernesund, Olympic games, 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games, Send to Apple News, 2026 Winter Olympics, Sports, Norway Olympic Team, Karin Harjo
