Italy claimed its maiden gold medal at the Milano Cortina Winter Games, a stunning victory that came through an unexpected upset in women’s speedskating. The win was all the more significant because it marked the first time since 2010 that the Netherlands had missed out on a podium position in this event.
On her 35th birthday, Francesca Lollobrigida shattered expectations by setting a new Olympic record with an outstanding performance of 3 minutes and 54.28 seconds in the women’s 3000 meters race. This achievement not only broke Schouten’s four-year-old Beijing mark but also surpassed it by nearly three and a half seconds. Lollobrigida’s victory was cemented as she outperformed her closest competitor, Ragne Wiklund of Norway, who took silver with a time of 3 minutes and 56.70 seconds.
The Italian standout’s triumph came despite the Netherlands’ dominance in speedskating, which saw them secure multiple golds at previous Olympics. This occasion was particularly poignant as it marked the first time since the Vancouver Games four years ago that they had not claimed a medal in this distance.
Lollobrigida’s heritage is rich and celebrated; she comes from Frascati, a charming hill town near Rome known for its white wine. Her family has also been steeped in history with her great aunt, Gina Lollobrigida, being an esteemed actress of the 1950s and ’60s.
This was Lollobrigida’s fourth appearance at the Olympics, and it marked a triumphant return to gold medal glory after securing silver and bronze in the same distance at the Beijing Games four years prior.
The race also witnessed a last-minute change in the lineup due to the withdrawal of Czech skater Martina Sablikova. American Greta Myers, aged 21, was given her first chance at Olympic glory by earning a reserve quota spot after impressive performances on the World Cup circuit over the previous season.
Her final placement showcased her journey: finishing just out of the top ten, which demonstrated her potential for future victories in this and other athletic disciplines.