Davide Brignone Focuses on Federica’s Restoration: “There’s No Deadline for the Olympics”
With reporting from AostaNews.it – authentic article by David Pellegrino
Davide Brignone is aware of what it takes to return again from damage. However this time, it’s private—and it’s completely different. His sister, Federica Brignone, enters an unsure restoration after breaking her leg on the Italian Nationwide Championships final spring. The damage got here simply weeks after her most dominant World Cup season but.
Brignone, who coaches Federica and stays by her aspect by way of each problem, says the crash deeply affected him—and compelled him to place every part on maintain.
A File Season Reduce Quick
Federica Brignone dominated the 2024–25 season. She received 10 World Cup races throughout three disciplines—5 in big slalom, three in super-G, and two in downhill. She captured the general title, the self-discipline globes in downhill and GS, and added a World Championship big slalom gold and super-G silver.
Then got here the autumn.
In the course of the Italian Championships, a crash on April 3 ended her season and forged doubt over her possibilities to race on the 2026 Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo—her house Video games.
“It Harm Deeply—As a Brother and Coach”
Davide Brignone rushed to his sister’s aspect the day of the crash. He rode within the helicopter, coordinated logistics with Italy’s ski federation, and stayed by her aspect within the hospital.
“I instantly realized it was a critical damage,” he informed AostaNews.it. “We’ve shared a lot, we virtually stay in symbiosis. She was in ache however stayed tremendous calm. I used to be shocked, however managed to remain calm too.”
As each coach and brother, Davide stepped right into a twin position—one he is aware of nicely.
“My brother aspect took over, as a result of that’s who I’m first,” he stated. “I grew to become a coach as a result of I’m her brother. To earn her belief, a coach has to place himself on the market.”
No Regrets About Italian Nationals
Brignone rejected criticism of the choice to race after a protracted season. Federica could have been drained, he stated, however nice champions carry duties—and nationals matter.
“I’d do it once more 500 instances out of 500,” he stated. “It’s proper that, at sure moments of the season, somebody steps as much as encourage the following era. Perhaps there was a younger lady watching on TV, dreaming of racing with Fede.”
Brignone, who ended his personal profession early resulting from accidents, stated he empathizes along with his sister’s scenario.
“She’s virtually by no means stopped,” he stated. “As an alternative of relaxation, it’s been physiotherapy.”
Not Considering A few Comeback But
Regardless of media hypothesis, Brignone made it clear: the main target is on therapeutic, not returning to snow.
“There’s no deadline,” he stated. “Her thoughts must course of every part. She hasn’t forgotten how one can ski. When she’s nicely, we’ll discuss coaching. The temper she returns with will matter greater than the date.”
Nonetheless, Olympic desires stay alive. He believes that if Federica is wholesome and assured—even with restricted time on snow—she will be able to nonetheless compete at Cortina.
Energy, Spirit, and One Extra Season?
Brignone admires his sister’s perspective by way of all of it.
“She by no means received discouraged,” he stated. “No matter she needed to do to get higher, she did it. She’s proving to herself she will be able to overcome one thing extremely robust.”
The damage could have even opened the door to extending her profession. Whereas Brignone as soon as thought Federica would possibly retire after Cortina, he now sees the potential of one other yr—particularly if the restoration reignites her ardour.
“She’ll determine when it’s time,” he stated. “If she will get to subsequent spring and says, ‘Why cease?’—I’ll help her. However I received’t intervene.”
Supply: AostaNews.it – Authentic interview by David Pellegrino. Translated and tailored for Ski Racing Media.
