A silver born of collective endeavour, yet one that also places a historic seal on the career of a timeless champion. Italy’s 26th medal at Milano Cortina 2026 arrived in the women’s 3,000m short track relay at the Ice Skating Arena and bears the names of Chiara Betti, Elisa Confortola, Arianna Sighel and Arianna Fontana. A team triumph, following gold in the mixed relay on 10 February, but also a long-awaited individual milestone: Fontana claimed her 14th Olympic medal (three gold, six silver, five bronze), becoming the most decorated Italian athlete of all time across both the Winter and Summer Games, surpassing the previous record of 13 podium finishes set by fencing legend Edoardo Mangiarotti.

The Italian quartet (photo Ferdinando Mezzelani/CONI) completed their mission after finishing second in last Saturday’s semi-final behind the Netherlands. This time, however, the Dutch saw their race end on the eleventh lap of the final. Italy, fielding the same line-up as in the semi-final, capitalised on the opportunity, overtaking Canada (bronze medallists) and battling all the way to the final bend against South Korea, who ultimately claimed gold. It was a prestigious silver won in the presence of President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni — who personally congratulated the athletes after the race — accompanied by CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio and Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi.

For Arianna Fontana, it is her second silver medal of these Games following her individual podium in the 500 metres, and her record-breaking figures now extend beyond national boundaries. The Italian star moves clear of former Dutch speed skater Ireen Wüst (13 medals), drawing level in second place on the all-time Winter Olympic medal table with former Norwegian biathlete Ole Einar Bjørndalen (14) and moving to within one of former Norwegian cross-country skier Marit Bjørgen (15), the most decorated athlete — male or female — in Winter Olympic history. (agc)