Sofia Goggia, the world's top downhiller, has undergone season-ending surgery after fracturing her right tibia in a giant slalom training crash.
What happened?
Goggia's injury occurred during a training session, resulting in a fractured right tibia.
She will rest for about 40 days, then faces a period of physiotherapy, according to the Italian winter sports federation.
Why it matters for Sofia Goggia
The injury is a significant setback for Goggia, who ranks No. 1 in the downhill season standings, No. 4 in the super-G, and No. 5 in the overall.
Goggia, 31, won two races this season and made six total podiums, including a notable comeback in 2022.
What comes next?
Goggia joins a large group of decorated Alpine skiers who suffered season-ending injuries, including Olympic slalom gold medalist Petra Vlhova of Slovakia and Olympic downhill gold medalist Corinne Suter of Switzerland.
The Alpine skiing World Cup season ends March 23, and Goggia's injury will likely impact the final standings.
Goggia has had at least four knee surgeries during her career and has shown resilience in the face of adversity, including a notable recovery from a super-G crash in 2022.
In December 2022, Goggia broke two fingers in a downhill, had surgery, then won a downhill the next day, demonstrating her determination and skill.
American Mikaela Shiffrin has not raced since injuring her left knee in a Jan. 26 downhill but could return later this season, adding to the competition in the Alpine skiing World Cup.
Goggia's injury is a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by Alpine skiers, and her fans will be eagerly awaiting her return to the slopes.