Top Italian Athletes to Watch at the Winter Olympics

Jordan Hartwell

Published: February 4, 2026 4:20 AM ET

As the Winter Olympics approach, Italy is poised to showcase a range of talented athletes. With the event hosted in Milan and Cortina, expectations are high for the Italian delegation. The nation aims to replicate or even surpass its record of 20 medals achieved at the Lillehammer Olympics in 1994. These games will feature 116 medal events, an increase from 61 in 1994, enhancing the opportunities for success.

Top Italian Athletes to Watch at the Winter Olympics

Alpine Skiing Stars

Sofia Goggia stands out as a leading contender in alpine skiing. Notable for her speed events, she has previously earned a gold and silver medal in the last two Olympics. Racing on the Olimpias delle Tofane, where she has enjoyed multiple World Cup victories, Goggia remains a formidable contender.

Sofia Goggia: Gold in 2018, Silver in 2022, multiple World Cup wins.
Giovanni Franzoni: Recently emerged as a strong competitor with victories in Super G and downhill.
Dominik Paris: Experienced athlete aiming for his first Olympic medal at age 36.

Short Track Speed Skating

Arianna Fontana, the most decorated Italian Winter Olympian with 11 medals, will compete in short track events. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Fontana is again set to carry the Italian flag. She will participate in five events, aiming to defend her titles from the last Olympics.

Arianna Fontana: 11 Olympic medals, gold in 500 meters from Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022.
Francesca Lollobrigida: Current world champion in the 5,000 meters speed skating.
Davide Ghiotto: Holds the world record in the 10,000 meters speed skating.

Highlighting Biathlon Competitors

The upcoming biathlon competitions are generating excitement, particularly with the participation of Dorothea Wierer. A local hero from Anterselva, Wierer has secured numerous medals, including three consecutive bronze medals at the Olympics. She will be joined by fellow biathlete Lisa Vittozzi in several events, both athletes vying for podium finishes.

Dorothea Wierer: 12 world championship medals, including four gold.
Lisa Vittozzi: Competing in multiple biathlon events alongside Wierer.
Tommaso Giacomel: Emerging talent with significant World Cup achievements this season.

Snowboard Competitors

In alpine snowboarding, Roland Fischnaller may break records if he wins a medal at 45 years old. Michela Moioli remains a top contender in snowboard cross after securing gold in 2018 and a team silver in 2022.

Roland Fischnaller: Aiming for his first Olympic medal.
Michela Moioli: Gold medalist in 2018, with previous silver in 2022.

Ski Freestyle and Curling

Flora Tabanelli, just 18 years old, will compete in freestyle skiing despite recovering from an injury. In curling, Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner will return to defend their mixed doubles title from the last Olympics.

Flora Tabanelli: Young talent in freestyle skiing.
Stefania Constantini & Amos Mosaner: Defending champions in curling mixed doubles.

With such a robust roster of athletes competing at the Winter Olympics, Italy’s chances of medaling are promising. The combination of seasoned competitors and rising stars contributes to the excitement surrounding the event. As the games begin, many eyes will be on these athletes as they strive for glory on home soil.