Francesca Lollobrigida Secures Historic Gold for Italy at Milano Cortina 2026
MILAN, 12 February 2026 – Francesca Lollobrigida has etched her name into the annals of sporting history, delivering a masterclass performance to claim Italy’s first gold medal of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The victory, achieved in the women’s 3,000-metre speed skating event, was made even more poignant as it fell on the athlete’s 35th birthday.
A Record-Breaking Performance on Home Ice
Competing in front of a fervent home crowd on Saturday, 7 February 2026, Lollobrigida clocked a staggering time of 3:54.28. This performance did more than just secure the top spot on the podium; it established a new Olympic record, surpassing the previous benchmark and finishing more than two seconds ahead of silver medallist Ragne Wiklund of Norway. Canada’s Valérie Maltais completed the podium, taking the bronze.
The victory represents a significant upgrade for the Italian skater, who earned silver in the same distance and a bronze in the mass start during the Beijing 2022 Games. Known affectionately as “Lollo”—a nickname shared with her legendary great-aunt, the late actress Gina Lollobrigida—Francesca has successfully transitioned from a world-class inline skater to the pinnacle of ice speed skating.
Key Statistics: Women’s 3,000m Final
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Athlete | Francesca Lollobrigida (ITA) |
| Event Date | 7 February 2026 |
| Winning Time | 3:54.28 (Olympic Record) |
| Silver Medallist | Ragne Wiklund (NOR) |
| Bronze Medallist | Valérie Maltais (CAN) |
Family Legacy and Personal Triumph
Beyond the technical brilliance of her skate, the event was marked by emotional scenes as Lollobrigida celebrated the win with her two-year-old son, Tommaso. The image of the gold medallist embracing her child on the ice has quickly become one of the defining moments of the Milano Cortina Games.
Lollobrigida’s journey to gold has been one of endurance. Having switched to ice skating following the Turin 2006 Olympics, she has spent two decades refining her craft. At 35, she is now the first Italian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in speed skating, providing the host nation with a perfect start to their home tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Francesca Lollobrigida related to Gina Lollobrigida?
Yes, Francesca is the great-niece of the iconic Italian film star Gina Lollobrigida. The family connection has often been highlighted by the Italian media, particularly given their shared nickname, “Lollo.”
What record did she break at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Francesca Lollobrigida set a new Olympic record in the women’s 3,000-metre speed skating event with a time of 3:54.28, securing the gold medal for Italy.
How many Olympic medals does Francesca Lollobrigida have?
As of February 2026, she holds three Olympic medals: one gold (3,000m in 2026), one silver (3,000m in 2022), and one bronze (Mass Start in 2022).