So, when you think about Sofia Goggia, speed isn’t just something she does—it’s who she is. But, like, what do you do when life throws a curveball, and you’ve just got to slam on the brakes? That’s exactly what the Italian alpine skier had to deal with after she suffered a rough leg injury last February. It wasn’t just her physical body that took a hit—her mental health took a nosedive, too. But then, out of the blue, a familiar voice reached out, and that’s when she found the strength to push through.

In a recent interview that felt really personal, Goggia shared how dealing with this career-threatening injury turned into a huge lesson about resilience and friendship. What could’ve been the end of her journey? Well, it actually turned into the start of a brand new chapter—all thanks to none other than Lindsey Vonn, her close buddy and a skiing legend in her own right. Isn’t that just incredible? From ‘broken’ to ‘battling back’.

Goggia’s struggles began with a horrific crash during a giant slalom training session that left her with multiple leg fractures. It wasn’t her first injury—far from it—but something about this one felt different. “I suffered so much mentally, especially in the first few months,” she admitted. Despite her extensive experience with recovery, the road back this time was steeper than any slope she’d ever faced.

Following her injury recovery, the next task was to get back into form, working tirelessly in the gym to rebuild her strength. “I worked hard, I had a lot of patience, and I did what needed to be done to be in the physical condition I am in today,” Goggia shared with Olympics.com. But even the strongest bodies can’t move forward when the mind is stuck in the past.

That was when four-time world champion Lindsey Vonn stepped in. Someone who is no stranger to career-altering injuries herself, the retired U.S. skiing icon became a lifeline for Sofia Goggia. “I’m very close friends with Lindsey; we talk often, and she understands exactly how I feel,” Goggia said. Their conversations became a space where pain was met with empathy, and doubt was countered with encouragement.

How support changed the game for Sofia Goggia

For Sofia Goggia, Lindsey Vonn’s support was more than just a comforting presence—it was a game changer. “You know, the folks who really get what you’re going through are usually the ones who’ve been there themselves,” she shared. Those words from Vonn were more than just good advice; they served as a powerful reminder that those roadblocks don’t define your entire career. Passion and a will to come back from setbacks, well, they can outshine even the most brutal injuries.

What about the friendship between Goggia and Vonn? Well, both these high-level athletes have been in awe of each other’s commitment to skiing for ages. However, in this instance, their connection felt deeper. “Lindsey, with all the ups and downs she’s had in her career, has been incredibly understanding and super supportive,” Goggia mentioned. Vonn’s insights really helped her tackle the physical and mental challenges athletes encounter on the road to recovery, thus giving her a new way to look at things.

As Goggia now gears up for her return to the slopes at the World Championships in Saalbach, she’s carrying more than just skis, she’s carrying the will of an athlete who has dug her way out of the trenches of despair. “I feel extremely grateful,” she said, reflecting on her journey. From countless hours in the gym to moments of self-doubt, Goggia’s path has been anything but smooth. Yet she’s determined to keep moving forward—not just for medals but for the love of skiing itself.

At 31, Goggia knows her career won’t last forever. But thanks to her resilience and the support of a true friend, she’s proving that even when life knocks you down, the race isn’t over until you decide it is.