Federica Brignone has ended her Alpine skiing season early, after returning from a broken left leg to win two Olympic gold medals.
What happened?
Federica Brignone broke her left leg last April, but made a remarkable recovery to compete at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.
She won the Olympic super-G and giant slalom, becoming the oldest Alpine skier to take Olympic gold at 35 years old.
Why it matters for Federica Brignone
Federica Brignone's decision to end her season early is due to physical exhaustion, after pushing her body to the limit to achieve her Olympic goals.
She returned to skiing in November and to World Cup racing two weeks before the Olympics, where she won two gold medals.
Federica Brignone placed 15th and eighth in World Cup super-Gs in Andorra, before deciding to end her season.
What comes next?
There are three more stops left in the World Cup season, but Federica Brignone will not compete, instead focusing on her rehabilitation.
Mikaela Shiffrin leads the World Cup overall standings by 170 points, aiming to succeed Federica Brignone as the World Cup overall champion.
Federica Brignone's early exit from the season will give her time to recover and prepare for the next season.
She sustained multiple left leg fractures and a torn ACL in a giant slalom crash last April, which led to surgeries in April and July.
Federica Brignone's recovery and Olympic wins are a testament to her dedication and perseverance.
The World Cup Finals will take place in Norway from March 21-25, without Federica Brignone competing.
Federica Brignone's fans will be eagerly awaiting her return to the slopes next season.
The Italian ski federation press release quoted Federica Brignone saying she dedicated herself entirely to the goal of competing at the Olympics.
Federica Brignone achieved her goal, winning two gold medals and becoming the oldest Alpine skier to take Olympic gold.