Brignone returns to action on home snow as fastest Italian skier

KRONPLATZ, Italy: Italy’s giant slalom world champion Federica Brignone made a strong return to competitive skiing on home snow on Tuesday, boosting hopes for her participation at the Milano Cortina Olympics following a lengthy injury layoff.

The 35-year-old finished seventh in the first run of the World Cup giant slalom at Kronplatz, emerging as the fastest Italian skier in the opening round.

Brignone, a two-time overall World Cup champion and 2022 Olympic silver medallist, fractured her left tibia and fibula during a crash at the Italian championships in April last year.

She has described her comeback as a series of physical tests rather than a conventional build-up to the Olympics, which are set to begin on February 6.

“I’m here to test my body, especially my leg,” Brignone said on Monday, adding that simply being able to compete again was a success in itself.

Compatriot Sofia Goggia, another major Italian medal hope after winning a super-G in December, crashed during the first run and slid out of the course. She appeared unhurt.

Starting with bib number 13, Brignone looked confident on the course, finishing 1.18 seconds behind first-run leader Sara Hector of Sweden. She waved to the crowd after crossing the line, posting a faster time than New Zealand’s Alica Robinson and American Paula Moltzan, both medal winners at last year’s world championships.

“I admit that at the start I wasn’t sure if I was ready,” Brignone told Italian media. “At first I felt stiff, but after a few gates and with the adrenaline, I didn’t feel much pain. I am very happy.”

Italy’s Lara Della Mea placed 10th, Asja Zenere 12th and Alice Pazzaglia 24th after the first run.

Sara Hector led the field with a time of one minute 13.54 seconds, 0.15 seconds ahead of Switzerland’s Camille Rast. Austria’s Julia Scheib was third, while American skier Mikaela Shiffrin stood fourth heading into the second run.