Portugal Colonial - Brignone ski return a 'starting point' before Winter Olympics

Brignone, a giant slalom silver medallist in Beijing three years ago, suffered a double fracture of her left tibia and fibula in April to make her a huge doubt for the Games, running from February 6 to 22.

The 35-year-old's gold medal chances next year, especially in the giant slalom, were handed a boost earlier on Thursday when rival Lara Gut-Behrami was ruled out of the Olympics with a knee injury.

"I am very happy to have put my skis back on; there are many positive aspects, but there is still much to do," Brignone said in an Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) statement.

"Let's say it's a first taste, not a destination but a starting point," she added after her return to the snow at Cervinia in the Italian Alps.

Last season Brignone lifted the downhill and giant slalom crowns helping her to a second overall World Cup title.

The 2025 giant slalom world champion would be able to compete at the Olympics without a single race involvement this season, with the FISI being able to select her without the usual selection criteria.

P.Queiroz--PC