Italian speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida has won the gold medal in the 3000 meters at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a significant achievement in her career as she balances her roles as a mother and a top athlete.
According to AD, the Italian athlete secured her victory shortly after returning to competitive skating following the birth of her son, Tommaso, in May 2023. At 35 years old, Lollobrigida reflected on the challenges of managing motherhood alongside the demands of high-level sport, describing the moment as a dream come true.
Lollobrigida had taken time off after the Beijing Games to focus on her family, but she maintained her ambition to compete in Milan-Cortina. Despite setbacks including an October infection and a difficult season, she returned to competition approximately six months postpartum, initially competing in the B-group due to missed events. She faced obstacles related to balancing care for her son with training and travel, noting difficulties such as restrictions on bringing children to certain training facilities.
Supported by her family, coach, and the Italian skating federation, Lollobrigida persevered and achieved a world title in the 5-kilometer event in Hamar the year before the Olympics. Her gold-medal time of 3:54.28 in Milan set a new Olympic record, surpassing that of the previous champion Irene Schouten. Lollobrigida’s victory was celebrated not only as a sporting achievement but also as a demonstration that motherhood and elite athleticism can coexist with the proper support.
Following her win, Lollobrigida spoke candidly about the difficulties of the season and her determination to prove what is possible for mothers in sport. Looking ahead, she expressed hope to expand her family further, emphasizing the importance of her son’s upbringing alongside her athletic commitments. Her story is seen as an inspiration to many, highlighting resilience and the evolving role of women in professional sports.
