Italian freestyle skiing prodigy Flora Tabanelli has sustained a right-knee injury during a training session in Austria, just months before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The 17-year-old, widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the sport, was in the middle of a big-air training routine in Stubai when she crashed upon landing, immediately clutching her knee in visible pain. Medical staff on site rushed to her aid, and she was later transported to a local hospital for evaluation before being flown back to Italy for further scans.
Tabanelli, who captured the world’s attention last season by winning both the FIS Big Air World Cup and the World Championship title, had been in top form leading up to this year’s competition cycle. The injury, which early reports suggest could be a significant knee sprain or possible ligament damage, has sparked concerns over her availability for the upcoming season and her preparations for the Winter Games on home soil. Her management and the Italian Ski Federation have confirmed that she will undergo additional tests in Milan to determine the extent of the injury.
The accident occurred during a training session focused on refining her signature trick—a double cork 1080—that has become a hallmark of her performances. According to eyewitnesses, Tabanelli lost balance in mid-air and landed awkwardly, twisting her right leg under her body. The immediate aftermath saw the young star in tears, clutching her knee while medical personnel quickly attended to her. Early examinations indicated swelling and reduced mobility, prompting fears that her injury might be more than a simple sprain.
Italian media outlets have since flooded with messages of support from fans, teammates, and fellow athletes. Many within the skiing community see Tabanelli as a generational talent capable of redefining women’s freestyle skiing. Her poise, creativity, and technical execution have earned her comparisons to legends like Sarah Burke and Eileen Gu. A serious injury at this stage of her young career would be a significant setback—not just for her personally, but for Italy’s hopes at the 2026 Games, where she was seen as a potential gold-medal favourite.
The Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) released an official statement expressing cautious optimism. “Flora is receiving the best medical care, and further examinations will clarify her recovery timeline,” the statement read. “Our priority is her health and well-being. We remain confident in her strength and determination to return stronger than ever.”
Tabanelli’s meteoric rise has been one of the sport’s most compelling stories in recent years. Hailing from Cesena, Italy, she began skiing at the age of six and quickly stood out in youth competitions for her fearlessness and precision. Her breakthrough came in 2023 when she stunned the freestyle world by claiming the World Cup title at just 15. Since then, she has become a household name in Italy, often highlighted as a symbol of the country’s growing strength in winter sports.
Experts note that knee injuries are unfortunately common in freestyle skiing due to the extreme aerial manoeuvres and high-impact landings the sport demands. The recovery process for ligament or cartilage damage can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on severity. Should Tabanelli require surgery, her 2026 Olympic campaign could be in serious jeopardy. However, her medical team has remained tight-lipped pending full diagnostic results expected later this week.
Fans have taken to social media with an outpouring of encouragement, using hashtags like #ForzaFlora and #TabanelliStrong to rally support. Prominent Italian athletes, including alpine skier Federica Brignone and snowboarder Michela Moioli, have sent messages urging Tabanelli to stay positive. The sentiment among supporters is one of hope—that this setback will be a temporary pause rather than a derailment of her remarkable trajectory.
In the meantime, the Italian national team will adjust its preparations for the upcoming season. Head coach Andrea Rinaldi emphasized that the team’s focus will remain on recovery and readiness. “Flora’s well-being is our main concern,” Rinaldi stated. “We’re not rushing anything. She’s a champion, and we know she’ll fight her way back stronger.”
As the world awaits official updates on the extent of her injury, Tabanelli’s situation serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in extreme winter sports. Even the most talented athletes are one misstep away from adversity. Yet, those familiar with Tabanelli’s journey insist that resilience is one of her defining traits. Whether she makes it to the Milan-Cortina Games or not, her impact on Italian winter sports is already undeniable.
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