Story perspectives

Brignone Claims Second Olympic Gold, Shiffrin's Drought Continues

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Federica Brignone of Italy won the women's giant slalom at the Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, posting 2:13.50 for her second Olympic gold.
She finished 0.62 seconds ahead of Sara Hector of Sweden and Thea Louise Stjernesund of Norway, who tied for silver.
Brignone's victory follows her earlier Super-G win and makes her the oldest Olympic Alpine gold medalist.
Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States finished 11th, extending her medal drought to eight races.
Brignone's comeback from a severe leg injury last year underscores her resilience.

History

Historical Context

The 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, featured 821 athletes from 32 nations competing in various sports, including alpine skiing. Austrian Toni Sailer made history by winning three gold medals, becoming the first to achieve this feat in alpine skiing. This event significantly raised the profile of the sport, influencing future generations, including Federica Brignone, who recently became the oldest Olympic gold medalist in alpine skiing.

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Story summary

Federica Brignone of Italy won the women's giant slalom at the Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, posting 2:13.50 for her second Olympic gold.
She finished 0.62 seconds ahead of Sara Hector of Sweden and Thea Louise Stjernesund of Norway, who tied for silver.
Brignone's victory follows her earlier Super-G win and makes her the oldest Olympic Alpine gold medalist.
Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States finished 11th, extending her medal drought to eight races.
Brignone's comeback from a severe leg injury last year underscores her resilience.

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