Italian skiing star Federica Brignone has won her race against time to be fit for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics after breaking her leg on April 3 and will compete at the Games, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said on Friday, adding that she will also be among Italy's flag-bearers at the opening ceremonies on February 6.
"On the basis of the tests done, Federica Brignone will be competing; she confirmed it to me last night" CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio said after announcing Italy's flag-bearers.
"I got emotional when she told me 'I think I can make it'.
"She has decided to try and be there.
"This shows the difference between a normal person and an exceptional one" Brignone and Amos Mosaner, who won gold in the mixed doubles curling at the 2022 Winter Olympics with his partner Stefania Constantini, will be the flag-bearers at the opening ceremony in Cortina d'Ampezzo while two-time Olympic gold-medal-winning short-track speed skater Arianna Fontana and cross-country skier Federico Pellegrino will carry Italy's red-white-and-green flag at the ceremony at Milan's San Siro stadium.
"It's a dream come true," Brignone told ANSA after being chosen among the flag-bearers.
"It has been my motivation to fight and get back up since the day of my injury.
"I thank everyone who has always been there for me, especially over the last few months.
"I thank President Buonfiglio for granting me the honour of being the flag bearer at the Olympics in Italy".
Last month Brignone said she had good sensations following her first two days back on skis at Cervinia.
Milan-born Brignone, 35, is the all-time most successful Italian woman skier in the World Cup and her 37 wins put her behind only the great Alberto Tomba, on 50, for both sexes.
Brigone also has two Olympic silvers and a bronze as well as two world championship golds and three silvers.
As well as her second overall World Cup crown early this year, Brignone also got the downhill and giant slalom crystal globes.
The 2026 Winter Olympics take place from February 6 to 22.
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