Italy achieved a remarkable victory at the Milano Cortina Olympics by winning its first gold medal in speedskating on March 16, 2024. Francesca Lollobrigida delivered a stunning performance in the women’s 3000 meters, breaking an Olympic record and pushing the traditionally dominant Netherlands off the podium for the first time in over a decade.
Lollobrigida, who celebrated her 35th birthday on the day of the race, finished with a time of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds. This impressive time not only claimed the gold but also eclipsed the previous Olympic record held by Dutch skater Irene Schouten, set during the Beijing Games in 2022, by more than two-and-a-half seconds.
The race concluded with Norway’s Ragne Wiklund securing the silver medal, finishing just two seconds behind Lollobrigida. Canada’s Valerie Maltais took home the bronze, while Dutch skater Joy Beune, the reigning world champion for this distance, finished in fourth place. This marked a significant moment in Olympic history, as it was the first time since the 2010 Vancouver Games that the Netherlands did not medal in the women’s 3000 meters.
Lollobrigida hails from the town of Frascati, located just outside of Rome and known for its exquisite white wine. She is also related to the late Gina Lollobrigida, a celebrated actress from the 1950s and 1960s. This victory is particularly noteworthy for Lollobrigida, as it is her fourth Olympic appearance and her first gold medal, having previously won a silver and bronze at the Beijing Games.
In a notable turn of events, American skater Greta Myers was a last-minute addition to the lineup after Czech skater Martina Sablikova withdrew from the competition. Myers, only 21 years old, had not originally qualified for the event but earned the first reserve spot through her performances on the World Cup circuit. She finished the race in 20th place.
This thrilling outcome in the women’s 3000 meters highlights Italy’s growing prowess in winter sports as the Milano Cortina Olympics continue to showcase exceptional talent and competitive spirit. The Games are set to unfold further, promising more exhilarating moments in the coming days.
