Italy secured its first gold medal of the Milano Cortina Olympics in a stunning display of speedskating that disrupted the Netherlands’ long-standing dominance in the women’s 3000 meters. On March 2, 2024, Francesca Lollobrigida, celebrating her 35th birthday, set a new Olympic record of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds. This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous record held by Dutch skater Irene Schouten, which had stood since the Beijing Games in 2022.
Lollobrigida’s victory not only marked her first Olympic gold but also ended the Netherlands’ streak of medals in this event, a run that began at the 2010 Vancouver Games. The Dutch team, renowned for its prowess in speedskating, found itself without a medal in the 3000 meters for the first time in over a decade. Ragne Wiklund from Norway took silver, finishing just two seconds behind Lollobrigida, while Valerie Maltais of Canada secured the bronze.
In a notable upset, reigning world champion Joy Beune from the Netherlands finished in fourth place, falling short of the podium. This unexpected result has sparked discussions about the shifting dynamics in women’s speedskating.
Francesca Lollobrigida’s Journey to Gold
Hailing from Frascati, a picturesque town near Rome known for its white wine, Lollobrigida’s journey to this Olympic moment has been marked by perseverance. She previously competed in three Olympic Games, earning a silver and a bronze medal in Beijing. This time, the gold medal represents a culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
Lollobrigida’s family history adds an intriguing layer to her story. She is the great niece of the late Gina Lollobrigida, a famous actress from the 1950s and 1960s, which makes this victory not only a personal triumph but also a proud moment for her family legacy.
The race also saw the unexpected participation of Greta Myers, a 21-year-old American skater. Myers was a last-minute addition after Czech skater Martina Sablikova withdrew. Although she did not initially qualify, Myers secured her spot through her performances on the World Cup circuit. She finished in 20th place, marking her Olympic debut just hours before the event.
Impact of the Result
This gold medal win for Italy has ignited excitement among fans and athletes alike, highlighting the potential for new challengers in speedskating. The result serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of sports, where established champions can be toppled by emerging talents.
As the Milano Cortina Olympics continue, the spotlight will be on Lollobrigida and her fellow competitors as they strive for further success. This victory not only elevates Lollobrigida’s status in the sport but also brings hope for Italy’s future performances in the Games. The shift in momentum from the Netherlands to Italy in the women’s 3000 meters sets the stage for thrilling competitions ahead.
