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Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy – Talk about a grand entrance! Federica Brignone, the undisputed “Queen of the Dolomites,” solidified her reign with a second gold medal at her home Winter Olympics. The Italian skiing superstar, just 35 years young, conquered the giant slalom with remarkable ease on Sunday, barely 72 hours after her “Hollywood movie” downhill victory.
The magnitude of her achievement was clear when silver medalists Sara Hector and Thea Louise Stjernesund, who tied for second, approached Brignone in the finish area, dropping to their knees and bowing in tribute.
Brignone’s victory is even more impressive considering she couldn’t walk for three months early last year due to a severe leg injury. Yet, she delivered a stunning sequel to her downhill win, taking a 0.34-second lead after the first run and then gliding through a clean second run amidst the breathtaking jagged peaks of the Dolomite mountains. She ultimately finished 0.62 seconds ahead of her silver-medal-sharing rivals.
U.S. skiing sensation Mikaela Shiffrin, who placed 11th, was quick to praise Brignone, calling it “the greatest show of GS skiing that we’ve had in a really long time.” Shiffrin added, “Federica skied incredible. That was so cool to watch.”
Shiffrin Still Chasing Olympic Hardware
While Brignone celebrated, the medal drought continued for American hopeful Mikaela Shiffrin. Despite the course being set by her own head coach, Karin Harjo, Shiffrin lacked the necessary speed in both runs, finishing 0.92 seconds off Brignone’s pace. This marks her eighth consecutive Olympic race without a medal since the 2018 Winter Games.
However, with only a 0.30-second gap from second place, there’s a glimmer of hope for Shiffrin. Redemption could be on the horizon in her strongest event, the slalom, scheduled for Wednesday. Shiffrin showed no outward disappointment after her second run, blowing out her cheeks and waving to the cheering fans, suggesting a resilient spirit ready for her next challenge.
Meanwhile, the local crowd eagerly awaited Brignone’s second triumphant descent, and she certainly didn’t disappoint.
This double gold caps a remarkable comeback for the beloved Brignone. After winning the GS world championship last February, she suffered multiple fractures in her left leg in March, requiring surgery and leaving her unable to walk until the summer. Despite admitting to daily pain, Brignone powered through, delivering performances that left her rivals in awe.
“She is the kindest, most genuine, athlete on tour,” said U.S. skier Paula Moltzan. “This comeback and to have two gold medals at home is, like, hands down, she’s clearly the best skier in the world right now.”
Before these home Games, Brignone had a silver and two bronze Olympic medals. Now, she has doubled down on gold, much to the delight of the roaring home crowd, who enthusiastically chanted “FE-de, FE-de, FE-de” during the medal ceremony.