Italy's Olympic Medal Dreams: Injury Woes & Star Hopes

Italy is setting its sights high for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games, targeting a minimum of 19 medals on home snow and ice. The Italian Olympic Committee has announced prize money mirroring the 2024 Summer Olympics: 180,000 euros for gold, 90,000 euros for silver, and 60,000 euros for bronze. However, serious injuries to some of their top winter athletes present significant challenges to these ambitions.

Among the medal hopefuls is 2018 Olympic downhill champion Sofia Goggia, renowned for her risky style and resilience despite a career marked by injuries. Federica Brignone, another formidable skier, is returning from a severe leg injury sustained in April, casting uncertainty over her participation. In short track speed skating, Arianna Fontana, Italy's most decorated Winter Olympian with 11 medals, aims to add to her tally, though a recent injury may jeopardize her plans for long-track events.

The mixed doubles curling team, who achieved a surprising gold in 2022, is looking to repeat their success, while veteran biathlete Dorothea Wierer hopes to secure her first Olympic gold medal on her home track. Young talents like big air skier Emiliano Tabanelli are also poised to make their mark, though his sister Flora faces a potential setback due to a knee injury.