Francesca Lollobrigida Delivers Italy a Winter Olympic Gold and Day's Best Moment on Her Birthday

A Golden Birthday Celebration: Francesca Lollobrigida Electrifies the Winter Olympics

Milan, Italy witnessed an extraordinary start to the 2026 Winter Olympics as hometown hero Francesca Lollobrigida not only celebrated her 35th birthday but also etched her name into Olympic history. In a truly captivating performance,Francesca Lollobrigida delivers Italy a Winter Olympic gold and day's best moment, setting a new Olympic record in the women's 3,000-meter long track speedskating event. The scene was pure jubilation: fans roared, the Italian tricolor flag was draped proudly, and Lollobrigida embraced her two-year-old son, Tommaso, in a moment that instantly went viral.

An Olympic Record for the Host Nation

Day 1 of the Games belonged unequivocally to Lollobrigida. Her stunning time of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds didn't just secure her first career gold; it shattered the previous Olympic benchmark by over two seconds, leaving Norway's Ragne Wiklund (3:56.54) with silver and Canada's Valérie Maltais (3:56.93) with bronze. It was, in Lollobrigida's own words, "the dream of my dreams," a perfect confluence of personal milestone and national pride.

The Unwavering Spirit of a Champion Mom

Beyond the astounding athletic feat, Lollobrigida's victory resonated deeply as a testament to perseverance and the power of a mother's dedication. "It's not that easy to combine being a skater and a mom," she acknowledged, highlighting the 250 days a year she spends away from home in pursuit of her sport. This medal, she explained, was for herself, for those who championed her, and significantly, for those who doubted her ability to juggle elite athleticism with motherhood. "They gave me the power to prove myself," she stated, embodying the spirit of a true fighter.

Balancing Motherhood and Elite Athletics

Lollobrigida's journey is truly inspiring. After winning a silver and a bronze at the Beijing Olympics, she bravely paused her career. Tommaso arrived in May 2023, and just six months later, she was back on the ice, already securing a bronze at the European Championships in January 2024. This remarkable comeback, culminating in an Olympic gold on home soil, sends a powerful message: "I didn't choose between a family, being a mom [and being a speed skater]."

The Nail-Biting Finale and Raucous Celebration

The Italian crowd, largely on its feet, roared as Lollobrigida powered through her race, staying ahead of Olympic record pace. After she crossed the finish line and knew she had clinched at least a medal, the heartwarming scene unfolded: she raced through the tunnel to scoop up Tommaso, flag still draped around her shoulders – truly a "Super Mom" moment captured for eternity.

But the drama wasn't over. Lollobrigida, her husband, and coach had to endure a tense wait as four more skaters, including two from speedskating powerhouse Netherlands, attempted to unseat her. When five-time world champion Marijke Groenewoud and then Dutch great Joy Beune (who finished fourth) failed to surpass her time, the arena erupted. The gold was hers, sealing not only Italy's first medal of these Games but also one of the most heartwarming stories.

More Than Just a Medal: A Message of Empowerment

Lollobrigida quickly emphasized that her triumph was a collective effort. She extended gratitude to her husband for his unwavering belief and candid support, and expressed hope that one day Tommaso would watch the race and comprehend the magnitude of her achievement. Despite a pre-Games illness, her focus remained unshaken, leading to an outcome that was "absolutely perfect."

Looking Ahead: Still Chasing Dreams

This isn't the end of Lollobrigida's Olympic journey; she's also the reigning world champion in the 5,000m, an event she's yet to compete in at these Games. In her fourth Olympics, at an age many once considered past prime, Francesca Lollobrigida continues to improve, ready to embrace new challenges and, undoubtedly, hold Tommaso and the Italian flag high in celebration once more. Her story is a vibrant reminder that dedication, passion, and the love of family can truly lead to golden moments.