From visiting her teammates in Sestriere to returning home, here is Giada D'Antonio two months after her injury: "I'm doing very well"

As Anna Trocker’s talent was exploding, from winning a double junior world title to two sensational top-ten finishes in the technical events at the World Cup Finals, Giada D’Antonio’s work continued in the midst of what is a long recovery for the 16-year-old from Naples. She watched her national team teammate, with whom she also shared her first major experiences, from her Nor-Am Cup debut in December to their first Olympic call-up, win both the giant slalom and slalom at the Italian Championships.

Yes, because the “Black Panther” was in Sestriere experiencing the azzurri atmosphere, which she had been forced to leave behind on 14 February, when she seriously injured her right knee during a giant slalom training session in Dobbiaco alongside the girls who, like her, were competing at the Milano Cortina Games.

After tearing her ACL, Giada’s first season among the senior ranks came to an end, midway between her Olympic debut in the team combined and the five-ring slalom, in which she would have been a leading contender.

Operated on at La Madonnina clinic in the hours that followed, the hugely talented Campania slalom and giant slalom skier is looking back, but above all forward, with great confidence, two months after the injury. She spoke about it to TGR Campania, which caught up with her after she returned home to San Sebastiano al Vesuvio. She moved to Val di Fassa with her mother Sandra to devote herself fully to her competitive career, which began in 2025/26 with her first major victories on the FIS circuit, followed by, among other “firsts,” the Semmering slalom to get a taste of the World Cup and her Olympic adventure.

“Rehabilitation is going well; in particular, the last two weeks have been very positive,” explains the 2009-born skier who grew up at Sci Club Vesuvio -  I should return to skiing in September and I can’t wait.”

Speaking about the Games she experienced… halfway, Giada says: “I didn’t expect to be called up for the Olympics; in fact, I thought it was a joke on social media… instead, my phone started ringing! It was a unique emotion, just like the opening ceremony. Of course, at first I hoped the injury was less serious and that I would be able to compete. After what happened, Sofia Goggia came to give me a lovely talk. She has experienced this firsthand and told me not to be afraid, because this does not define the athlete I will become in the future. It will help me grow and mature, teaching me to be patient.”