Francesca Lollobrigida delivered a stunning performance to win Italy’s first gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, dominating the women’s 3000m speed skating with a new Olympic record of 3:54.28.
On her 35th birthday, the Roman native skated at the Milano Ice Park in Rho, finishing over two seconds ahead of the field before a roaring home crowd. This marked her first Olympic gold after silver in the 3000m and bronze in mass start at Beijing 2022.
Silver and Bronze Medalists
Norway’s Ragne Wiklund claimed silver in 3:56.54, ending her nation’s 46-year podium drought in women’s Olympic speed skating since 1980. The 2026 European 3000m champion called it a “relieved and overjoyed” moment after strong seasons, planning to celebrate before her next events.
Canada’s Valérie Maltais earned bronze in 3:56.93, adding to her Beijing medals and showcasing consistent distance prowess.
Lollobrigida channeled years of sacrifice, racing with her young son Tommaso watching, shattering the prior record by Dutch star Irene Schouten. She became the oldest women’s 3000m Olympic gold medalist and Italy’s first female champion in the discipline.
The victory echoed Italy’s Torino 2006 speed skating golds, kickstarting the host nation’s medal hopes at these Games. A 16-time inline speed skating world champion, she holds Italian records in 3000m and 5000m.
Post-race, tears flowed as she celebrated in the Italian flag, embracing Tommaso amid chants at the Milano Skating Palace. “I’ve built this through hard years—my son has always been by my side,” she shared.
Her path featured a maternity break post-Beijing, proving resilience in her fourth Olympics as great-niece of actress Gina Lollobrigida.
Ranzi Sports 
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