Federica Brignone: “Crans-Montana is one of my favourite places”

The smile on Federica Brignone’s face in the Crans-Montana finish area on Wednesday said it all about her pleasure at returning to the FIS Ski World Cup circuit. Ten months after breaking her left leg at the Italian Championships, the skier from the Aosta Valley put on long speed skis again for the first time on a World Cup slope. Her 33rd place in the first downhill training session was anecdotal, as the important thing lay elsewhere for the Italian skier. “Honestly, I had fun,” said the winner of the most recent overall Crystal Globe.

On Tuesday evening, she had been assigned bib number one. “I thought, perfect.” All that remained was to push out of the start on the Mont Lachaux slope, even if there was naturally some apprehension about skiing at over 120 km/h. “In fact, everything felt easy. The snow was hard underfoot, which was ideal to find my bearings again. My goal is to move forward calmly and above all not to be afraid anymore.”

Unable to walk five months ago

Seeing the Italian champion back on skis less than a year after her serious accident almost feels like a small miracle. Few athletes would have managed such a challenge, which initially seemed unrealistic. “When I think about it, it’s crazy. Five months after my injury, I couldn’t walk properly. It was really very hard. But deep down, I always believed in it, otherwise I wouldn’t be where I am today,” says “Fede”, whose clear objective was to be able to compete at the Olympic Games at home in Italy and to perform there.

That ambition already took shape last week in Kronplatz. Not only did Federica Brignone start the giant slalom, but she also delivered a strong performance, finishing sixth. “For me, it’s important to dare to start again with the Olympic Games in mind. I have to take responsibility and be courageous in my decisions. The more I do so day after day, the more confident I will be in a month.”

Pain still very present

The pain is naturally still there, even if adrenaline acts like an anaesthetic when she puts her skis on. Anti-inflammatory medication, ice, physiotherapy sessions and physical conditioning are part of her daily routine. “Mentally, that’s the hardest part. Having confidence on skis is really not easy. But I also know that I ski well and that I am in control,” continues the skier with 85 World Cup podiums, who is rediscovering enjoyment. “I suffered so much, it was so hard, and I did an incredible amount of work to get here. I tell myself that I’m lucky to be here today, and it’s wonderful.”

And what better place than the Haut-Plateau resort to return to competition, on a Mont Lachaux slope she loves, as shown by her four victories and nine podiums there. “A week ago, I was really stressed and lacking confidence. But I decided to come here, because Crans-Montana is one of my favourite places.”

The simple pleasure of being able to ski

While she is certain to compete in the super-G on Saturday, the Italian will make a final decision at the last moment on whether she will start the downhill on Friday. But Federica Brignone already feels “relieved” after skiing the Mont Lachaux slope for the first time on Wednesday. Her smile is proof enough. “I’m just happy to be here. To be back with the group, the people, the competition and above all the slope. Because the turns, the curves and the pleasure of skiing were what I missed the most.”

Photo: Deprez-Dubuis