Federica Brignone showcased her incredible prowess during the Giant Slalom at the 2025 World Ski Championships held on February 13, 2025, at Saalbach, Austria. With dramatic twists and turns, the race turned intense as Brignone crossed the finishing line with a remarkable time of 1:10.44, setting her apart from the competition.
The event kicked off with the first run at 9:45 AM, followed by the second run slated for 1:15 PM. Among the top contenders were not just Brignone but also Alice Robinson from New Zealand, Paula Moltzan from the USA, and the experienced Lara Gut-Behrami from Switzerland. Brignone’s commanding lead of 1.43 seconds over second-place Sara Hector from Sweden was nothing short of spectacular.
Despite the high expectations, several athletes faced difficulties on the course. Unfortunately, Sofia Goggia and Marta Bassino both posted dropouts from the competition due to falls. Goggia suffered a precarious tumble after losing balance, followed by Bassino, who collided with a gate, marking another difficult day for the Italian team.
Brignone, reflecting on her performance, emphasized the importance of aggression on the slopes. "I made the difference on the last parabolic turn. There’s a straight section followed by a gate, where I took my space and closed it well on the ridge where it’s risky to lose speed. I didn’t feel the fatigue; I think the others had too much respect for the course," she articulated during her interview with Rai Sport.
The race proceeded with varying performances, and Brignone’s time set the bar high for her competitors. Alice Robinson, running second, finished strong but couldn't close the gap, clocking 1:11.11. Moltzan followed, securing third place with 1:11.68, solidifying her spot on the podium.
Looking at the other competitors, Brignone’s fellow teammate, Lara Colturi managed to secure the eighth spot, though trailing significantly at 2.48 seconds behind the leader. This was slightly bittersweet news for the Italian camp.
With high hopes for the competition, Goggia had voiced her beliefs before the race, stating, "At the World Championships, only medals matter. So far, I haven't made it to the podium. I have regrets about the Super G. I’m quite charged and calm for the Giant.”
Brignone’s leading performance not only brought optimism to the team, but the stakes for the second run were certainly raised. When discussing her strategy, she mentioned, "Having a good lead is nice, but I'll have to manage it wisely. The heat is increasing, and it’s all about being prepared for every condition. This Giant suits me well; the changes and variations throughout the course are what I really look forward to. I love the snow conditions we’re dealing with now. "
Other notable mentions included Lara Gut-Behrami and the likes of Zrinka Ljutic, who all struggled to maintain competitiveness against Brignone’s blistering pace. Goggia's unfortunate exit elicited concerns from fans and analysts alike, casting shadows over what was supposed to be her triumphant return after injury.
Brignone’s pace remained unmatched as more athletes completed their runs, raising hopes for the Italian team to secure potential medals. With 109 athletes from 51 countries participating, the competition was fierce. The second leg of the event would present another opportunity for hidden talents to emerge and vie for acclaim.
With the clock ticking down to the next rounds, the question remains: can Brignone sustain her momentum, or will the forthcoming competition be just as demanding? This thrilling Giant Slalom exhibited not just the brilliance of Brignone but the story of resilience among all competitors aiming for podium glory.