Italian freestyle skier Flora Tabanelli's Olympic dreams take a hit as she sustains a knee injury just 98 days before the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
In a training session in Austria on November 6, Tabanelli, a rising star in the world of freestyle skiing, suffered a suspected sprain to her right knee. The 17-year-old, who is set to make her Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, had been training with the national team when she landed awkwardly from a jump, causing her to fall badly.
This unfortunate incident occurs just three months before the highly anticipated event, which will take place from February 6-22, 2026. The Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) released a statement, confirming the injury and providing details about her condition.
According to FISI, Tabanelli, a world champion and Big Air World Cup champion, will be transported to 'La Madonnina' hospital in Milan for further evaluation. There, she will undergo clinical tests by the FISI Medical Commission, led by Dr. Andrea Panzeri. Despite the setback, Tabanelli remains a formidable competitor, having won her first Big Air world title at the World Championships in Engadin, Switzerland, earlier this year.
Additionally, she is a two-time Youth Olympic Champion from Gangwon 2024. With her birthday approaching in two weeks, Tabanelli is determined to overcome this challenge and continue her journey towards Olympic glory on home snow in Livigno.
