Federica Brignone won the the overall World Cup last season shortly before the horror accident that is threatening to keep her out of the Olympics

Rome (AFP) - Alpine skiing overall World Cup holder Federica Brignone has returned to training with the Italian team as she bids to qualify for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Brignone, a giant slalom silver medallist in Beijing four years ago, suffered a double fracture of her left tibia and fibula in April last year to make her a huge doubt for the Games, running from February 6 to 22.

However the 35-year-old has now rejoined the Italian team for training, according to images released Sunday by the Italian Ski Federation (FISI).

Brignone trained in giant slalom runs, her preferred discipline, for the first time since the injury with her teammates in Pozza di Fassa, in the Dolomites.

According to the Italian press, she could now make her competitive comeback in the giant slalom at Kronplatz, Italy, on January 20.

The veteran skier dominated the competition last winter, securing the overall World Cup title, 10 World Cup victories, and a World Championship gold medal in giant slalom.

She has won everything in her career except an Olympic title.

She will be one of the four flag bearers for the Italian delegation at the Olympic opening ceremony on February 6.