Federica Brignone delivered an inspiring performance on home snow, winning the women’s Giant Slalom race held at Sestriere, Italy, on February 21, 2025. Overcoming recent illness, the reigning world champion showcased her incredible talent to secure her sixth World Cup victory of the season.
Brignone’s win was particularly remarkable considering she had spent the previous week confined to her sick bed, using breathing masks to recover. Utilizing her limited energy reserves, she skied expertly throughout both runs, culminating in a total time of 2:12.69 seconds. Brignone’s triumph extends her lead in the overall World Cup standings and cements her place among the all-time greats of women’s alpine skiing.
The day’s competition unfolded dramatically as Brignone faced tough competition from New Zealand’s Alice Robinson, who led after the first run. Robinson finished just 0.40 seconds behind Brignone, followed by Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund, who claimed third place with a time of 2:14.26 seconds.
The first run saw Paula Moltzan kick off the competition, but it was Robinson who made headlines by securing the top spot with the fastest run, showcasing her consistency through the season. Although she initially had the advantage, she could not withstand Brignone’s blistering pace during the second run, which proved decisive for the final outcome.
Brignone reflected on her performance, stating, "It's been really amazing day," and expressed her determination to perform strongly, even when feeling less than optimal. Her second run time stood out, being the fastest among all competitors and allowing her to surge past others who could not keep up with her momentum and skill.
After the race, Brignone received heartfelt congratulations from Stjernesund, who exclaimed, "You were so good," emphasizing the admiration felt by fellow competitors for Brignone’s strong performance.
Robinson, who has recently exhibited remarkable form, admitted her challenge to meet Brignone’s final run performance. She remarked, "Fede stepped it up again, and I wasn't able to match it," reflecting on the high stakes and competitiveness of the event.
Teammates from the USA, including Mikaela Shiffrin, who was returning to racing after sustaining serious injury, found the day challenging. Shiffrin finished 25th, over 4 seconds behind Brignone, and openly discussed her current goals, stating, "For the rest of the season, my goal is sort of fighting for some points," which showcased her resilience and focus on regaining competitive form.
The Giant Slalom presented at Sestriere was part of the larger World Cup series weekend, featuring another Giant Slalom and Slalom race scheduled for the following days. This provided participants, especially Brignone and Robinson, a chance to maintain their momentum and push for continued achievements.
With Brignone’s victory, her story resonates as one of tenacity and excellence, featuring not just her ability to overcome physical obstacles but also her capacity to lift her competitors and fans around her, making every race something to cherish.
Looking forward, the Sestriere circuit remains pivotal for these skiers as they strive for Olympic qualifications and greater achievements throughout the World Cup season. Fans have much to look forward to as they continue to witness such remarkable talent on display.