Italy's Federica Brignone, winner of the alpine skiing World Cup, was air-lifted to hospital Thursday after falling during the giant slalom of the Italian Championships in Val di Fassa.
The 34-year-old, who was leading after the first leg, hit a gate and lost her balance, tumbling onto the piste, according to a video posted on social networks.
Brignone was evacuated by helicopter from the competition in northeastern Italy, according to the AGI news agency.
In a brief statement, Italy's winter sports federation (FISI) confirmed she was undergoing checks in hospital in Trento, promising a formal update when there was a clearer picture.
Brignone dominated the 2024-25 season on the women's circuit and is one of Italy's strongest medal chances at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan Cortina.
The skier from Val d'Aosta has won three Olympic medals but never a gold.
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