Francesca Lollobrigida Secures Historic Olympic Gold on Home Ice
MILAN, 12 February 2026 — Italian speed skating legend Francesca Lollobrigida has cemented her status as a national icon following a historic performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. In a week that has seen the host nation erupt in celebration, Lollobrigida delivered Italy’s first gold medal of the Games, breaking records and personal milestones in a single, breathless afternoon at the Milano Ice Park.
A Golden Birthday and an Olympic Record
On Saturday, 7 February 2026, Francesca Lollobrigida achieved what many athletes only dream of: winning Olympic gold on home soil on her 35th birthday. Competing in the women’s 3,000-metre event, Lollobrigida stopped the clock at 3:54.28, shattering the previous Olympic record.
The atmosphere in Milan was electric as the “Azzurra” skater crossed the finish line, securing the top spot on the podium ahead of Norway’s Ragne Wiklund, who took silver, and a bronze-medal performance from Canada. The victory was particularly poignant for Lollobrigida, who was seen celebrating immediately after the race with her young son, Tommaso, a moment that has since gone viral across social media platforms.
From Inline Skating Legend to Ice Queen
Lollobrigida’s transition from the world of inline skating to the ice has been one of the most successful in sporting history. Before her Olympic triumphs, she was a dominant force on wheels, securing 16 World Championship titles in inline skating between 2012 and 2019.
Olympic Progression
Her journey to the top of the Olympic podium has been a steady ascent:
- Beijing 2022: Won a silver medal in the 3,000m and a bronze in the mass start, marking her as a serious contender on the world stage.
- Hamar 2025: Secured her first World title in the longest distance at the World Championships, setting the stage for her 2026 success.
- Milano Cortina 2026: Captured her first Olympic gold medal and set a new Olympic record in the 3,000m.
The Lollobrigida Legacy
Francesca is the great-niece of the legendary Hollywood actress Gina Lollobrigida, and commentators have frequently described her 2026 victory as a “film-star performance.” However, her legacy is firmly rooted in her own athletic prowess. With 24 national records and multiple European Championship medals (including a mass start gold in Kolomna 2018), she is arguably Italy’s greatest-ever female speed skater.
As of 12 February 2026, Lollobrigida remains a focal point of the Games. Following her 3,000m victory, she continues to compete in the longer distances, chasing further medals to add to Italy’s growing tally.
Career Statistics and Achievements
| Event/Title | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Milano Cortina 2026 (3,000m) | Gold Medal & Olympic Record (3:54.28) |
| Beijing 2022 (3,000m) | Silver Medal |
| Inline Skating World Championships | 16-time World Champion |
| European Championships | Gold (2018), Bronze (2019, 2020) |
| National Records | 24x Record Holder |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many Olympic medals does Francesca Lollobrigida have?
As of February 2026, Francesca Lollobrigida has won three Olympic medals: one gold (Milano Cortina 2026), one silver (Beijing 2022), and one bronze (Beijing 2022).
What is Francesca Lollobrigida’s Olympic record?
She set a new Olympic record in the women’s 3,000-metre speed skating event with a time of 3:54.28 on 7 February 2026.
Is Francesca Lollobrigida related to Gina Lollobrigida?
Yes, she is the great-niece of the late Italian film star Gina Lollobrigida.
How old was Francesca when she won her first Olympic gold?
She won her first Olympic gold medal on her 35th birthday, 7 February 2026.