Federica Brignone chooses another operation

Federica Brignone is facing another period of rehabilitation after deciding to undergo surgery on the leg that has troubled her since last season. The procedure places fresh uncertainty over her preparations for the new World Cup campaign, although the 36-year-old has not indicated that she intends to retire.

Doctors will remove the plate from her leg and clean the affected area. They will also determine during the operation whether treatment of the meniscus is necessary. Brignone said her condition had been improving, but pain remained during some activities and while skiing.

The Italian suffered fractures to both lower-leg bones and a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during the Italian Championships in April 2025. She returned to competition in January 2026 and then won downhill and super-G gold at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February. She ended her season in early March after acknowledging that she had pushed her body to its limits.

Brignone resumed skiing in late July and had planned to join Italy’s team for training in Ushuaia in September. The World Cup is due to begin in two months with the giant slalom in Sölden. Her longer-term target could include a bid for a third overall crystal globe or selected events at the 2027 World Championships in Crans-Montana.