Italian alpine skier Federica Brignone, after overcoming a severe injury, won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics and became the oldest female alpine skiing gold medalist in Olympic history.
Federica Brignone, a 35-year-old Italian alpine skier, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the oldest female athlete to win a gold medal in alpine skiing at the Olympics. This remarkable achievement came after Brignone faced a career-threatening injury due to a catastrophic fall during the 2025 Italian Championships, resulting in multiple fractures and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. Following two surgeries and a challenging recovery, Brignone made a swift return to the ski slopes, reclaiming her place in the competitive world of alpine skiing and ultimately capturing gold in the women’s super-G event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
On February 12, 2026, Brignone secured her gold medal with a time of 1:23.41 at the Tofane Alpine Ski Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, where she demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. Out of 43 competitors, 17 faced difficulties due to foggy conditions, but Brignone maintained her lead from the start to the finish line, showcasing her resilience and unmatched talent. With this victory, she ties the record for the most Olympic medals in Italian women's skiing history, elevating her to a legendary status alongside fellow Italian skier Deborah Compagnoni.
Brignone's journey not only marks a personal triumph over physical adversity but also inspires many as she received public admiration from fellow skier Lindsey Vonn via social media, congratulating her on her incredible comeback. Brignone's humility was evident as she expressed her disbelief at her victory, emphasizing that her success came from maintaining flow and effectively navigating the challenging course, allowing her to achieve what she previously felt was impossible.
