Italian speed skater Francesca Lollobrigidová won the first gold medal for the host country at the 2026 Olympics.
On Saturday, she triumphed on the 3000 meter track in a new Olympic record of 3:54.28 min.
Norwegian Ragne Wiklund took silver with a deficit of 2.26 s, Valerie Maltais from Canada finished third (+2.65).
VIDEO: Francesca Lollobrigidová won the gold
There is no better feeling
On her 35th birthday, Lollobrigidová added a third Olympic metal to her collection, the first of the most valuable luster. Four years ago, at the Beijing Games, she won silver in the 3000 m and brought home a bronze from the mass start.
In Milan’s Ice Park, she was able to beat all the co-favorites, led by the long-distance World Cup winner Wiklund, who was significantly behind in second place. After winning the gold, she hugged her 2-year-old son.
“There’s no better feeling than being a mother, an athlete, and seeing your child in the stands. The message I took away with me was that I didn’t want to choose between becoming a mother and going back to competing.”
It was a brave decision. I took a break and devoted myself to my family. It wasn’t easy for me, but the federation never doubted my abilities and that I could come back. I’m happy,” said Lollobrigida to Sky Sport Italia.
Sáblíková was absent at the start
For Italy, it is the first ever gold at the Olympics in women’s speed skating. Francesca Lollobrigidová is the great-niece of the famous, already deceased Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida.
Wiklund has her first Olympic medal in her second appearance at the Games, winning a valuable metal for Norway in the event after a 46-year wait.
Disappointment was experienced by the Dutch team, favorite candidate for medals Joy Beune finished fourth.
The Czech speed skater and favorite to win the precious metal, Martina Sáblíková, was absent from the start, she was disabled by an acute virus and had to withdraw.
“It’s the hardest sporting decision of my life. Huge helplessness, disappointment and heartbreak,” the seven-time Olympic medalist said.
Thirty-eight-year-old Sáblíková is in her sixth and last Olympics, she won gold on the three-kilometer track at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
He is now looking to recover before his main event of 5000m, which is scheduled for next week on Thursday.
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