Francesca Lollobrigida wins first gold for Italy at Milan-Cortina Games

Speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida takes top spot in women's 3,000m event

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Francesca Lollobrigida, an Italian speed skater, won the first gold medal for host country Italy at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Lollobrigida topped the women's 3,000-meter speed skating event on Saturday.

Why it matters

Lollobrigida's victory marks an important milestone for Italy as the host nation of the Winter Games, providing an early boost of national pride and momentum. Speed skating is a marquee event at the Olympics, making Lollobrigida's gold medal a significant achievement.

The details

Lollobrigida finished the 3,000m race with a time of 3:56.44, edging out the silver and bronze medalists from the Netherlands and Canada respectively. This was Lollobrigida's first Olympic gold medal, having previously won silver and bronze in past Winter Games.

  • The women's 3,000m speed skating event took place on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Francesca Lollobrigida

An Italian speed skater who won the gold medal in the women's 3,000m event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

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What they’re saying

“Winning gold for Italy in our home Olympics is a dream come true. I'm so proud to bring home the first gold medal for our country.”

— Francesca Lollobrigida (AP)

What’s next

Lollobrigida will look to add to Italy's medal haul in the upcoming women's 5,000m speed skating event.

The takeaway

Francesca Lollobrigida's gold medal victory in the 3,000m speed skating event provides an early highlight for the host nation of Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.