Lollobrigida Secures Italy’s First Olympic Gold in Speedskating

Francesca Lollobrigida made history by securing Italy’s first Olympic gold medal in women’s speedskating. The skater achieved this milestone on the day she turned 35, winning the women’s 3,000 meters at the Milan Cortina Games.

Historic Victory

Lollobrigida completed the race with an Olympic record time of 3 minutes and 54.28 seconds. She finished over two seconds ahead of Norway’s Ragne Wiklund, who took silver, while Canada’s Valerie Maltais captured bronze.

Significance of the Win

This victory holds special importance for Lollobrigida, especially after a challenging season in which she battled a virus. The win marked a notable achievement for Italy, not only as the host nation’s first gold of the Olympics but also as Italy’s first-ever gold in women’s speedskating at any Winter Games.

Personal Reflections

After her triumphant performance, Lollobrigida expressed her joy by running over to hug her 2 1/2-year-old son, Tommaso. She remarked, “This was to show the people that you can be a mom and come back to be much stronger.”

Throughout the season, she struggled with personal challenges, often feeling overwhelmed and contemplating retirement. However, the support from her loved ones motivated her to continue competing. “The people who really believed in me said, ‘No, you really need to fight,’” she recalled.

Path to Glory

Francesca has competed in four Olympics, previously earning a silver in the 3,000 meters and a bronze in the mass start at the Beijing Games. Her experiences culminated in this moment of glory, which she feels not only for herself but for her son.

Future Aspirations

The Italian speedskater hopes to make her family proud and aims to establish her own legacy in the sport. “She would really be proud of [me],” Lollobrigida noted about her late great-aunt, actress Gina Lollobrigida, who was famous in the mid-20th century.

Competitive Spirit

During the race, Lollobrigida started slowly but gained momentum, propelled by the roaring support from the crowd. “Finally, the fans were on our side,” said Italian coach Maurizio Marchetto, highlighting the unity felt during the event.

With her remarkable performance, Lollobrigida not only rewrote Olympic history but also inspired many, proving that dedication and resilience can lead to outstanding accomplishments, regardless of challenges faced along the way.