Italy's Sofia Goggia has two different viral infections, according to the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI). She has finished a series of detailed clinical tests at the Casa di Cura La Madonnina and the IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan. Alanews reports that the diagnosis came after weeks of check-ups, tests and consultations.
Two infections, stronger effects
FISI said that together the two infections had much stronger physical effects and left the athlete badly weakened. Tuttosport quoted the federation's statement:
"sommate una con l'altra, hanno creato effetti ancor più amplificati a livello fisico, causando un forte stato di debilitazione all'atleta"
Goggia felt unwell and had to leave the training camp in Ushuaia, Argentina, on 12 September. She agreed with FISI's medical commission, which is chaired by Andrea Panzeri, to fly back to Italy for tests. Tuttosport says she returned to Italy in the middle of the month.
"Time and a lot of patience"
On Instagram, Goggia wrote that she is getting better but is still quite weak for now. Alanews says she will need more time to recover fully. She wrote that she was very sorry she had to come home early and miss part of her preparation. She added that she was very happy with how her first week on snow had gone. She also thanked all the doctors of the Gruppo San Donato and the specialists who have helped her since she got back.
On what happens next, she wrote:
Alpine Skiing'Calendar is full': Aicher, Weidle-Winkelmann reject annual Worlds"Ora che la verità è venuta a galla e abbiamo individuato il problema possiamo procedere alla sua risoluzione, ma per farlo bisogna munirsi di tempo e tanta, tanta pazienza… un po' come sempre"
Now that the problem has been found, she said, it can be solved. But that will take time and a great deal of patience, "a bit like always".
Target: the World Cup opener in Sölden
FISI said Goggia started her recovery plan in the past few days. The plan was drawn up with the federation's medical commission under Andrea Panzeri. Last season, Goggia won gold in the super-G and the super-G World Cup title.
Alanews reports that her goal is to be ready for the start of the World Cup season. It opens with the giant slalom in Sölden on 24 October. The season's main event will be the World Championships in Crans-Montana.
