Brignone Claims Second Olympic Gold in Giant Slalom; Shiffrin Takes 11th
Federica Brignone made history by securing her second gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The celebrated skier triumphed in the giant slalom event, solidifying her status as a leading figure in alpine skiing.
Brignone’s Remarkable Achievements
At 35 years old, Brignone’s journey has been inspiring. Just a year prior, she faced significant challenges after undergoing surgery due to multiple fractures in her left leg. Despite this, she returned to the slopes just weeks before the Olympics, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Giant Slalom Victory
- Event: Women’s Giant Slalom
- Date: February 15, 2026
- Location: Olympia delle Tofane, Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Winning Time: 1:30.56
Brignone clinched the giant slalom title with an impressive performance. She led by 0.34 seconds after the first run and maintained her position with a clean second run. Her final time was 0.62 seconds ahead of her closest competitors, defending champion Sara Hector from Sweden and Thea Louise Stjernesund from Norway, both of whom shared the silver medal.
Crowd Support and Athlete Respect
The local crowd celebrated Brignone’s achievement, chanting her name during the medal ceremony. Her rivals, including American skier Mikaela Shiffrin, expressed admiration for her performance. Shiffrin, who placed 11th, noted, “That was the greatest show of GS skiing that we’ve had in a really long time.”
Shiffrin’s Journey Continues
- Current Olympic Status: No medals in the last eight Olympic races
- Next Event: Slalom on Wednesday
For Shiffrin, the giant slalom showcased her ability to be competitive despite missing out on medals. She acknowledged her proximity to the fastest competitors, stating, “So I’m proud of that.” Her performance suggests the potential for redemption in her upcoming slalom event.
Brignone’s Reflection on Victory
Brignone expressed her gratitude for the experience, stating, “This is better than a dream. It’s unimaginable.” She acknowledged the physical pain she endures but credited her support team for helping her rediscover her form.
As a two-time Olympic champion, Brignone exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and excellence in the world of alpine skiing. With her triumphant returns, the Italian skier has not only earned medals but also the respect and admiration of her peers.
