Despite the severe crash, Federica Brignone overcame the pain

Now all of Italy is paying tribute to the willpower and tenacity of the 35-year-old Olympic winner.

She had her day - against all odds.

I told myself that either something big would happen or disaster would ensue, but I never thought I would win.

The Italian Air Force offered a flyover. The sky over Cortina was colored green, white and red as Brignone - on home turf - received her gold medal in the super-G.

"I didn't even know if I would be able to race again after my injuries. I didn't feel any pressure. I was just happy to be there," she says.