![[Francesca Lollobrigida] wins gold medal on home ice.](https://beijingtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/journalist2F6cec6fe4-84f0-4db6-9e85-4da050251a732Fthumbnail.jpeg "journalist2F6cec6fe4-84f0-4db6-9e85-4da050251a732Fthumbnail")
In a dramatic and emotional race, Italian speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida captured Italy’s first gold medal of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, delivering a historic Olympic record in the women’s 3,000-meter event while competing in front of a jubilant home crowd on her 35th birthday.
Lollobrigida’s triumph was not only a personal victory but a moment of national pride. Skating in front of an electric Italian crowd, she delivered a flawless performance, clocking in at 3:54.28—shattering the previous Olympic record by more than two seconds. This win secured her place as the first Italian woman to claim Olympic gold in speed skating and the first Italian athlete to top the podium at Milan Cortina 2026.
As she crossed the finish line, the stadium erupted in applause. Lollobrigida wrapped herself in the Italian flag and made her way to the stands to embrace her two-year-old son, Tommaso, marking an unforgettable moment for Italian fans and her family alike.
The 3,000-meter race has long been dominated by Dutch speed skaters. For the first time since 2010, however, no Dutch competitors reached the podium. Norway’s Ragne Wiklund took silver with a strong performance, while Canada’s Valérie Maltais clinched bronze. Dutch favorites Joy Beune and Marijke Groenewoud were unable to replicate the Netherlands’ historical success, finishing off the medal stand.
| Medal | Athlete | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Francesca Lollobrigida | Italy | 3:54.28 |
| Silver | Ragne Wiklund | Norway | 3:56.54 |
| Bronze | Valérie Maltais | Canada | 3:56.93 |
Lollobrigida’s journey to gold was particularly noteworthy. After taking time away from the sport to become a mother following her medal-winning performance in Beijing 2022, she faced a challenging return that included doubts about balancing motherhood and elite sport. At one point, a viral illness threatened her season, and she contemplated retiring from competition. Yet, with determination and the support of her family, she chose to fight on and was rewarded with the race of her life.
“Today was perfect,” she remarked after her victory, acknowledging the inspiration she drew from her family and those who both doubted and believed in her. Lollobrigida’s win not only cements her status as one of Italy’s greatest winter athletes but also as a symbol of perseverance and resilience.