Sofia Goggia: The FISI’s Clarification
Sofia Goggia returned early from Argentina after falling ill due to two viral infections. This difficult situation forced the champion from Bergamo to interrupt her training in Ushuaia in preparation for the upcoming world alpine skiing season. As she began her recovery from this setback with the support of FISI, the Federation subsequently clarified: “To supplement this morning’s statement regarding Sofia Goggia’s condition, we kindly ask that you also acknowledge the important specialized virological support provided by the Regional Center for Infectious Diseases (CeReMI) in Pavia. Thank you.”
In-depth clinical examinations, conducted at the La Madonnina Clinic and the IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, have definitively clarified the situation: two different viral infections which, when combined, have created even more severe physical effects, causing the athlete to become severely debilitated. Goggia has already begun the recovery program developed in collaboration with the FISI Medical Commission, chaired by Dr. Andrea Panzeri.
It was the champion from Bergamo herself who broke her silence, taking to social media to send a direct message to her fans: “Ushuaia 2026—a short, intense, and challenging trip! I’m very sorry that I was forced to return early and had to miss part of my training, even though I’m very happy with how the first week on skis went. I’d like to sincerely thank all the doctors at the San Donato Group and all the specialists for the invaluable support they’ve given me since I returned.” Goggia then added: “Now that the truth has come to light and we’ve identified the problem, we can move forward to resolve it, but to do so we need time and a lot, a lot of patience… just like always. I am indeed improving, but I’m still quite weakened at the moment. See you soon… nec recisa recedit (‘not even a wound retreats’)”.
The social media post was eagerly anticipated, given that since her last post on August 22—in which Goggia announced Markus Gufler as her new ski technician, replacing the longtime Barnaba “Babi” Greppi—the champion had been completely absent from her social media platforms, causing growing concern among her fans. It’s worth noting that Gufler’s appointment wasn’t the only significant change in Goggia’s technical staff: the skier has entrusted her athletic training to Gianluca Rulfi, following the end of her collaboration with Luca Agazzi, and has concluded her work with the psychiatrist who had been supporting her in recent years.
Now that her clinical picture has been established and her recovery is underway, the countdown to the 2026–2027 winter season can begin. The first event is scheduled for October 24 in Sölden, Austria, with the giant slalom that traditionally kicks off the World Cup. Beaver Creek, in the United States, will host the season’s first speed events: the first two downhill races will take place on December 11 and 12, while the season’s first Super-G will be held on December 13. In the women’s division, a total of 40 races are scheduled across 20 stops, with the highlight being the World Championships in Crans-Montana, set for February 1–14, 2027.
