Italian speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida commemorated Italy’s 80th republic anniversary in Rotterdam and discussed her plans concerning the continuation of her skating career alongside her dedication to family.
Schaatsen.nl, published in the Netherlands, reported on Lollobrigida’s recent reflections.
Lollobrigida traveled to Rotterdam for the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic, an event marked historically by the 1946 referendum that ended the monarchy post-World War II and allowed women to vote for the first time. This historical context served as a prelude to discussing Lollobrigida’s personal journey as an athlete and mother, highlighting her achievements including winning two Olympic gold medals and managing a return to competitive speed skating after childbirth.
At age 35, Lollobrigida is considering her future in the sport, leaving open the possibility of competing as late as 2030 at Thialf. Recently, an announcement on the International Skating Union (ISU) website implied she might be retiring; however, the statement was quickly retracted. Lollobrigida expressed surprise at the premature announcement and the subsequent attention it generated.
She emphasized her current priorities lie with family, expressing a desire to focus on raising her children and potentially having another before it becomes impractical. Lollobrigida described the challenges of balancing training and motherhood, noting the logistics involved when caring for two young children. While the national skating federation is awaiting her decision, she intends to take the necessary time for herself and her family prior to committing further to her athletic career.
