Star Italian Alpine skier Federica Brignone said Monday that she is living in the here and now and at the moment does not have any specific goals for Milano Cortina 2026, saying she is just grateful to be able to take part in the Games after receiving the Italian tricolour from President Sergio Mattarella along with Italy's other flag-bearers for the opening ceremonies.
The 35-year-old also said the race against time to be fit for the Winter Olympics after breaking her leg in April had been tough.
"It will be my fifth Olympics, the first in Europe and close to home," said Milan-born Brignone, who is the all-time most successful Italian woman skier in the World Cup and whose 37 wins put her behind only the great Alberto Tomba, on 50, for both sexes.
"It's a fortune and a privilege.
A great stress too, perhaps, but I will try to only take the positive elements.
"There's no need to say how honoured I am, I am also very excited because my race to be here was not easy.
"Just getting out of physiotherapy was a big step for me.
"I think I've shown my strength and dedication by putting the skis back on after eight months.
"I'm still not skiing as I'd like to at the moment, in part because I had a fever this week.
"Let's see what I can do, I don't know today.
I live in the here and now".
As well as her second overall World Cup crown early this year, Brignone also got the downhill and giant slalom crystal globes.
Brigone also has two Olympic silvers and a bronze in her trophy cabinet as well as two world championship golds and three silvers.
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 on February 6.
The 2026 Winter Olympics take place from February 6 to 22.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
