Italy’s Golden Day: Brignone, Lollobrigida & Fontana Aim for Olympic Glory
The 2026 Winter Games delivered a historic surge for Italy, highlighted by Federica Brignone’s super‑G gold and Francesca Lollobrigida’s second speed‑skating title, all witnessed by President Sergio Mattarella.
Federica Brignone clinches super‑G gold
Brignone, known as “the tiger,” finished the women’s super‑G with a margin that placed her ahead of France’s Miradoli and Austria’s Huetter. The victory came just ten months after a serious crash that left her with broken tibia, fibula and ACL, injuries that required two surgeries in Milan and Turin.
Chief surgeon Andrea Panzeri noted that a “normal” athlete might still be in rehabilitation, emphasizing Brignone’s extraordinary commitment. After the run, Brignone described her run as “soft, fluid” and said she felt the adrenaline still coursing through her veins.
Former champion Lindsey Vonn posted on Instagram, calling the win “What a comeback!”—a sentiment echoed by teammates and fans alike.
Francesca Lollobrigida adds a second speed‑skating gold
Lollobrigida of Ladispoli secured the 5,000 m title in Milan with a time of 6 minutes 46.17 seconds, extending the lead she built after winning the 3,000 m earlier in the Games.
She finished ten hundredths of a second ahead of the Netherlands’ Merel Conijn, who took silver, while Norway’s Ragne Wiklund earned bronze.
Presidential presence underscores national pride
President Sergio Mattarella attended the super‑G finish, congratulating Brignone and receiving cheers from the crowd. He later joined athletes for lunch at the Olympic Village, wearing a national‑team jacket gifted by the competitors.
During a visit to Casa Italia in Cortina, Mattarella toured an art gallery featuring works by De Pisis, De Chirico and Campigli, before greeting athletes and the assembled public.
Other Italian performances on the day
In men’s snowboard cross, Austria’s Alessandro Haemmerle took gold while Italy’s Lorenzo Sommariva placed eighth after a semifinal exit. Amedeo Bagnis was fifth after two runs in the men’s skeleton.
Sarah Goggia, a pre‑event favourite in super‑G, fell after a strong start and did not finish, leaving Brignone as the sole Italian on the podium.
Looking ahead
Evening events feature short‑track star Arianna Fontana in the 500 m. A podium finish would bring Italy’s total to 13 medals, matching the record of fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti.
Analysts suggest that if Fontana secures a medal, the Italian delegation could finish the Games among the top‑three nations, a likely outcome given the momentum from today’s successes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries did Federica Brignone recover from before winning gold?
Brignone suffered a crash that broke her tibia, fibula and anterior cruciate ligament, requiring two surgeries in Milan and Turin before returning to competition.
How close was the race in the women’s 5,000 m speed skating?
Francesca Lollobrigida finished 0.10 seconds ahead of silver‑medalist Merel Conijn, with a final time of 6 minutes 46.17 seconds.
What would a medal for Arianna Fontana mean for Italy’s Olympic record?
A medal would raise Italy’s total to 13, equalling the historic count set by fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti.
How do you think today’s victories will shape Italy’s outlook for the remainder of the Winter Games?