Lollobrigida Sets Olympic Record, Wins Gold in 3000m Speed Skating

Francesca Lollobrigida has made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics by breaking the Olympic record in the 3000 meters speed skating event. She finished with an impressive time of 3:54.28, outperforming the previous record held by the Dutch skater, Schouten, from the Beijing 2022 Olympics.

Celebrating a Milestone

This victory is particularly special for Lollobrigida, as it coincides with her 35th birthday. Competing in her eighth heat alongside Canadian skater Maltais, who secured third place, Lollobrigida’s achievement marks the first gold medal for Italy at the Milano Cortina Olympics.

A Journey of Resilience

Francesca shared her experiences following the competition, highlighting her struggles leading up to this event. “Last season was really challenging, and there were times I considered quitting,” she stated. Despite these difficulties, she persevered, crediting her supportive family and the Italian federation’s “Mother Project” for helping her balance motherhood and competitive sports.

• Olympic Record: 3:54.28 in 3000m speed skating
• Birthdate: February 7, 1991
• Previous Medal: Silver in 3000m at the 2022 Olympics
• Recent Achievement: Gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Support and Legacy

Throughout her career, Lollobrigida has shown immense strength, and her journey from a silver medalist to a gold medalist is nothing short of inspiring. She remarked, “I hope to show that it is possible to return even stronger after giving birth.”

Francesca’s family, including her mother and sister, celebrated this significant victory with her. The moment represents not just personal triumph but also sets an example for future athletes, particularly women balancing parenthood with their careers.

Looking Ahead

Lollobrigida expressed her desire for another child and hinted that her retirement may be on the horizon. However, she is focused on achieving her next target: the World All Around title. “I still have goals to reach, and I will fight for them,” she asserted, embodying the spirit of a true competitor.

As the first woman to win Olympic gold in speed skating since Enrico Fabris, Lollobrigida’s victory is a testament to her dedication and resilience on the ice. Her story inspires a generation of athletes, reaffirming that with determination, anything is possible.