Sofia Goggia: Italy’s 'Queen of the Downhill' targets home glory

Jan 9 : ‌Two weeks after suffering a minor leg fracture and torn ligaments, Sofia Goggia hurtled down the course at the 2022 Beijing Olympics to claim a silver medal in the downhill, a comeback the Italian skier described as a miracle.

Goggia returns to the spotlight as Italy’s strongest medal hope for the Milano‑Cortina 2026 Winter Games, with her top rival, reigning World Cup Champion Federica Brignone, still working her way back from a serious knee injury that kept her off the ‌snow for 237 days.

At 33, Goggia, who became the first Italian woman ‌to win an Olympic downhill gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, is preparing for what may be her final Olympics and the first on domestic snow at Cortina d’Ampezzo, a slope she has dominated throughout her career. 

"Cortina is not just a downhill or a race; it means the world to me," she said of the Olimpia delle Tofane course after her fourth downhill World Cup win there last January. 

A fierce competitor known for ‍her uncompromising, high‑risk style, Goggia has bounced back from multiple serious injuries.

Her fearlessness has propelled her to four downhill titles, 26 career wins and 64 podiums, although she never secured the overall crystal globe won twice by her compatriot Brignone.

MORE BALANCED APPROACH TO RACING

This season, she has emphasised refining technique, improving aerodynamics and boosting stability — part ​of what she describes as a more ‌mature, balanced approach to racing.

"My goal is to return to my highest level, race with consistency, and be competitive every weekend in speed," she said last month.

"I want to fight ​for wins when the conditions are right, but above all I want a solid, healthy season that allows me to ⁠express my skiing at its best."

Her