Italy captured its first gold medal of the Milano Cortina Olympics on March 9, 2024, thanks to a stunning performance in the women’s 3000 meters speedskating event. In a remarkable upset, the dominant Netherlands team was pushed off the podium, marking the first time since 2010 that they failed to medal in this distance.
Francesca Lollobrigida, competing on her 35th birthday, set a new Olympic record with a time of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds. This achievement broke the previous record held by Dutch skater Irene Schouten, which was set during the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Lollobrigida’s performance not only secured her gold but also placed her two seconds ahead of Ragne Wiklund from Norway, who took silver. Canadian athlete Valerie Maltais rounded out the podium with a bronze medal.
The Dutch team, which has historically dominated speedskating, faced a significant blow with reigning world champion Joy Beune finishing in fourth place. This was a striking departure from the usual dominance seen in past competitions, emphasizing the unexpected nature of Lollobrigida’s victory.
Lollobrigida, hailing from Frascati, a picturesque town near Rome known for its fine white wine, has a familial connection to fame; her great aunt was the iconic actress Gina Lollobrigida, a star of the 1950s and 1960s. This gold medal marks Lollobrigida’s first Olympic victory, adding to her previous achievements of a silver and a bronze from the 2022 Olympics.
The race also featured a last-minute addition to the lineup. American skater Greta Myers joined the competition after Czech skater Martina Sablikova withdrew. Myers, who had not initially qualified for the event, secured her spot as the first reserve following her performances on the 2025-26 World Cup circuit. In her Olympic debut, Myers finished in 20th place.
The Milano Cortina Games have already seen thrilling performances, with Lollobrigida’s victory setting the tone for more surprises to come. As the Games progress, athletes from around the world continue to showcase their talents, aiming for gold and Olympic glory.
