ROME: Italian alpine skiing World Cup holder Federica Brignone said on Thursday her return to snow was a “starting point” with the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics a little more than two months away.
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.
Brignone ski return a ‘starting point’ before Winter Olympics
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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
- “I am very happy to have put my skis back on; there are many positive aspects,” Brignone said
Southampton’s stunning fightback leaves Leicester in turmoil
LONDON: Southampton made an incredible late comeback from three goals down to beat crisis club Leicester 4-3 in the Championship on Tuesday.
Leicester interim manager Andy King looked set for his first victory since taking charge after first-half goals from Divine Mukasa, Patson Daka and Abdul Fatawu at the King Power Stadium.
But Southampton substitute Ross Stewart reduced the deficit in the 61st minute to spark the astonishing revival.
Leicester’s brittle confidence was exposed as Jack Stephens netted in the 82nd minute and Ryan Manning equalized five minutes later.
Shea Charles struck six minutes into stoppage time to snatch the points for Southampton in dramatic fashion, leaving King’s shell-shocked side without a win in six games.
Seven years after thrashing Southampton 9-0 at St. Mary’s, Leicester hit a devastating low of their own against the Saints.
Still searching for a permanent manager following Marti Cifuentes’ sacking, Leicester are outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.
The Foxes were recently deducted six points by the Football League for breaches of financial regulations.
Birmingham missed the chance to move into the play-off places after they were held to a 0-0 draw by West Bromwich Albion at St. Andrew’s.
New West Brom boss Eric Ramsay remains winless but claimed a second successive draw to help his side move two points above the relegation zone.
Mohamed Toure hit a hat-trick as Norwich made it five wins from their last six matches with a 3-0 victory at second-bottom Oxford.
