Italy’s Federica Brignone delivered a commanding opening run to take the lead in the women’s giant slalom at the Milan Cortina Olympics, raising hopes of a second gold medal in less than a week.
Brignone, 35, was the fastest of 76 competitors racing on the slopes above Cortina d'Ampezzo, finishing the 51-gate course in 1:03.23. She won Olympic gold for the first time last week in the super-G and now holds a clear advantage heading into the second run.
American star Mikaela Shiffrin, seeking her first Olympic medal in eight years, sits seventh, just over one second behind the leader.
Brignone’s performance was especially striking given her recent recovery from a broken left leg suffered in March, an injury that required surgery and weeks of rehabilitation. A reigning world champion in giant slalom, she attacked the course with confidence and control.
“I tried to be aggressive but smart, especially on the terrain changes,” Brignone said. “It felt natural, and everything came together.”
Germany’s Lena Duerr is second, 0.34 seconds back, while Brignone’s Italian teammate Sofia Goggia is third, 0.46 behind.
A tight group follows. Defending Olympic champion Sara Hector, Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund, and Albania’s Lara Colturi are tied for fourth with identical times.
Shiffrin entered the race looking to rebound after finishing fourth in the combined event earlier in the Games. Her first run was steady but lacked the speed of the leaders, with none of her timing splits ranking among the top four.
Even a near-perfect run may have struggled to match Brignone’s pace. The Italian posted the fastest second segment and was among the top two in three of the four splits.
Brignone, who made her Olympic debut in 2010 and arrived in Cortina with three career Olympic medals, is now in position to add another gold.
World Cup giant slalom leader Julia Scheib sits 11th and suggested the leader may be untouchable.
“Perfect skiing,” Scheib said. “She loves these conditions. It’s no surprise.”
