MILAN – The host nation erupted in celebration Saturday as speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida delivered Italy’s first gold medal of the Milan Cortina Games, shattering the Olympic record in the women’s 3,000 meters. The victory, achieved in a stunning time of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds, wasn’t just a personal triumph for Lollobrigida, but a moment of national pride on her 35th birthday.
The crowd at the Olympic Oval was a roaring sea of Italian flags as Lollobrigida navigated the final lap, ultimately finishing more than two seconds ahead of Norway’s Ragne Wiklund, who secured silver. Canada’s Valerie Maltais rounded out the podium with a bronze medal.
Lollobrigida’s performance wasn’t simply a win; it was a demolition of the previous Olympic best. Her time eclipsed the mark of 3:56.92 set by Irene Schouten at the 2022 Beijing Olympics by a significant margin – over 2.5 seconds. The sheer dominance of her skate was palpable, a surge of momentum that carried her to the top of the podium.
The race itself wasn’t without its early tension. Skating alongside Maltais, Lollobrigida initially found herself trailing at the first checkpoint. However, the Italian skater demonstrated remarkable composure and strategic pacing, steadily closing the gap. Fueled by the fervent support of the home crowd, she unleashed a powerful final lap, arms pumping rhythmically as she surged past her competitors.
The victory is particularly poignant given Lollobrigida’s journey to this moment. This marks her fourth Olympic appearance and finally, her first gold medal. She previously claimed a silver in the 3,000m and a bronze in the mass start at the Beijing Games four years ago, establishing herself as a consistent contender on the world stage. She is also a mother to a two-year-old son, adding another layer to her inspiring story.
The atmosphere before the race was electric. Lollobrigida was greeted with a thunderous ovation during the introductions, responding with a broad smile and a sweeping wave to the crowd. A brief moment of pre-race nerves was visible as she covered her face with her hands, a gesture of focused determination before unleashing her speed on the ice.
Lollobrigida’s roots are deeply embedded in Italian culture. She hails from Frascati, a picturesque hill town just outside Rome renowned for its crisp white wine. Her family also boasts a connection to Italian artistry and fame; she is the great-niece of Gina Lollobrigida, a celebrated actress who captivated audiences in the 1950s and 60s.
The wait for the final results proved agonizing for Lollobrigida. With four skaters still to compete, she found herself unable to watch, repeatedly covering her eyes with her hands, a testament to the immense pressure and anticipation. The relief and joy that washed over her as her record time stood unchallenged were evident in her emotional reaction.
This gold medal is more than just a personal achievement for Lollobrigida; it’s a symbolic victory for Italy, igniting the Milan Cortina Games with a spark of national pride. It sets a high bar for the remainder of the competition and provides a powerful boost to the Italian team as they compete on home ice. The performance also solidifies Lollobrigida’s place as a leading figure in the world of speedskating, a testament to her dedication, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
