Italy’s skiing champion Brignone air-lifted to hospital after crash

ROME: Italy´s Federica Brignone, winner of the alpine skiing World Cup, was air-lifted to hospital Thursday after falling during the giant slalom of the Italian Championships in Val di Fassa.

The 34-year-old, who was leading after the first leg, hit a gate and lost her balance, tumbling onto the piste, according to a video posted on social networks. Brignone was evacuated by helicopter from the competition in northeastern Italy, according to the AGI news agency.

In a brief statement, Italy´s winter sports federation (FISI) confirmed she was undergoing checks in hospital in Trento, promising a formal update when there was a clearer picture. Brignone dominated the 2024-25 season on the women´s circuit and is one of Italy´s strongest medal chances at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan Cortina. The skier from Val d´Aosta has won three Olympic medals but never a gold.