Italian speed skating athlete Francesca Lollobrigida has announced her retirement following the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina, concluding a distinguished career highlighted by multiple Olympic medals and world titles.
According to ISU Skating, Lollobrigida’s athletic journey began in her hometown of Rome, initially excelling in inline skating and securing world championships before transitioning to long track speed skating in 2012. This transition was notable as few athletes have successfully moved from inline skating to long track at the highest competitive levels.
Lollobrigida first made her mark in long track speed skating as a specialist in the Mass Start event, where her tactical skills from inline skating were particularly effective. Over her career, she claimed the ISU Mass Start World Cup titles in 2014, 2018, and 2022, along with the European Championship title in 2018, establishing her among the leading figures in the discipline.
Beyond the Mass Start, she expanded her expertise to longer distances including the 3000m and 5000m events. This diversification demonstrated her adaptability and endurance, as she consistently performed at a high level in international competitions over several years.
After taking a break from competition following the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics to give birth to her son, Tommaso, Lollobrigida returned to competition and achieved further success by winning her first World Single Distance title in the 5000m at the 2025 World Championships in Hamar, Norway.
The peak of her career came during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, held on home ice, where she earned gold medals in both the 3000m and 5000m events. These victories marked a culmination of her journey from inline skating champion to Olympic gold medalist in speed skating.
Lollobrigida’s legacy extends beyond her medals. Her career is distinguished by a rare and successful transition between sports disciplines, as well as sustained competitiveness at the top level. Her versatility and resilience have left a lasting impact on the world of international speed skating.
Over the course of her international career from 2012 to 2026, Francesca Lollobrigida competed in three Winter Olympic Games, winning a total of four medals: two golds at Milano Cortina 2026 in the 3000m and 5000m events, a silver in the 3000m, and a bronze in the Mass Start at Beijing 2022. She also earned multiple podium finishes at ISU World Single Distance Championships.
