Italy secured its first gold medal at the Milano Cortina Olympics on March 9, 2024, in a remarkable speedskating event that disrupted the Netherlands’ longstanding dominance. In the women’s 3000 meters, Francesca Lollobrigida achieved a stunning victory, clocking in at an Olympic record time of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds. This performance not only marked a personal milestone for Lollobrigida on her 35th birthday but also ended the Netherlands’ medal streak in this event since 2010.
The outcome was particularly surprising as the Netherlands has been a formidable force in speedskating, consistently placing atop the podium. For the first time in over a decade, they found themselves without a medal in the women’s 3000 meters. Lollobrigida’s time surpassed the previous Olympic record set by Irene Schouten of the Netherlands at the 2022 Beijing Games by more than two-and-a-half seconds.
Norway’s Ragne Wiklund took the silver medal, finishing two seconds behind Lollobrigida, while Valerie Maltais of Canada secured the bronze. Notably, Dutch skater Joy Beune, the reigning world champion in this distance, finished off the podium in fourth place, marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the sport.
Francesca Lollobrigida’s Journey
Hailing from Frascati, a picturesque town near Rome known for its white wine, Lollobrigida made her Olympic debut in 2010. This victory at her fourth Olympics is her first gold medal, a testament to her perseverance and skill. At the previous Winter Games in Beijing, she claimed two medals: a silver in the 3000 meters and a bronze in the mass start.
The race also featured a late addition when American skater Greta Myers was included after the withdrawal of Czech skater Martina Sablikova. Myers, who did not initially qualify for the event but earned a reserve spot through her performances on the World Cup circuit, finished in 20th place in her Olympic debut.
Lollobrigida’s victory not only highlights her personal achievement but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement inherent in the Olympics. The shift in medal distribution may signify new opportunities for emerging talents in the sport, as veteran competitors face fresh challenges from a new generation of skaters.
As the Milano Cortina Games continue, all eyes will be on Lollobrigida and her fellow competitors, eager to see how this unexpected turn of events will shape the remainder of the Olympic competitions.
