Riccardo Lorello, a 23-year-old Italian speed skater, secured the bronze medal in the 5000-meter event at the Winter Olympics, held just minutes from his hometown of Milan.
Gazzetta dello Sport, an Italian sports news outlet, reports on Lorello’s performance and its significance.
Lorello’s achievement contributes to Italy’s seventh medal in these Games and comes in the wake of Francesca Lollobrigida’s gold medal win. The young Milan native finished third in a highly competitive race with the gold medalist, Norwegian Sander Eitrem, setting a new Olympic record of 6 minutes 3.95 seconds. Notably, Davide Ghiotto finished just outside the podium in fourth place, 5.62 seconds behind the winner.
Following his earlier success with a European silver medal in January, Lorello described his Olympic experience as unlike any previous competition. During the race, he focused intently on technical cues from his coaches Matteo Anesi and Maurizio Marchetti. Toward the final laps, he acknowledged considering the Olympic record, which he expected would be surpassed due to the fast ice conditions.
The event, watched by notable figures including US Vice President J.D. Vance and members of the Dutch royal family, was highlighted by fast times and strong performances. Lorello, who cherishes a childhood passion for roller skating before switching to ice skating blades, shared an emotional moment embracing his father Adriano and family. Outside of sports, Lorello has an interest in motorcycles and counts Valentino Rossi as his idol, appreciating the thrill of speed.
