Francesca Lollobrigida, an Italian speed skater and great-niece of the late film icon Gina Lollobrigida, secured Italy’s first gold medal of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Saturday, February 7th, in the women’s 3000 meters speed skating event. The 35-year-old not only triumphed on her birthday but too shattered the Olympic record with a time of 3:54.28, finishing 2.26 seconds ahead of Norway’s Ragne Wiklund.
The victory at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium was particularly poignant, as Lollobrigida celebrated with her two-year-old son, Tommaso, in a moment that resonated globally and even moved International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry to tears. Immediately after crossing the finish line, Lollobrigida ran into the stands to embrace her son, responding to a request from her sister, Giulia, to bring him to her.
The emotional scene continued as Tommaso playfully covered his mother’s mouth during a live television interview, preventing her from speaking. This spontaneous interaction quickly went viral, captivating audiences worldwide. “I had goosebumps,” Coventry remarked, according to reports.
Lollobrigida’s path to Olympic gold was not without its challenges. She described the preceding season as “the worst of my life,” having been sidelined by a virus infection. Balancing the demands of elite athleticism with motherhood also presented significant hurdles. Since becoming a mother in 2023, she faced doubts about her ability to return to the top of her sport.
“If I made it, anyone can make it,” Lollobrigida stated, highlighting her desire to inspire other female athletes navigating similar circumstances. She spearheaded the “Progetto Mamma” initiative in collaboration with the Italian speed skating federation, aimed at improving conditions for mothers in competitive sports. The program provided her with double rooms during travel and subsidized childcare for Tommaso.
Lollobrigida’s connection to her famous great-aunt, Gina Lollobrigida, had long been a prominent aspect of her public profile in Italy. Though, with this Olympic victory, she has firmly established her own legacy in the world of sports. She further cemented her place in Olympic history by winning a second gold medal in the 5000 meters event.
Following a brief break for Carnival celebrations, Tommaso was once again present at the arena for Lollobrigida’s second gold-medal performance. The Italian speed skating team’s success builds upon the legacy of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, where the men’s team pursuit team secured a historic victory.
