MILANO CORTINA: Twenty years after winning her first Olympic medal as a 15-year-old in Turin, Arianna Fontana has etched her name even deeper into sporting history.
Competing in front of a roaring home crowd at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the Italian short track legend captured her 12th Olympic medal — and her third gold — in the mixed team relay, becoming the first woman ever to win a medal at six consecutive Winter Games.
Fontana, now 35, began her Olympic journey at Turin 2006, where she claimed bronze in the 3000m relay to become the youngest Italian to win a medal at a Winter Olympics. Two decades later, she remains at the pinnacle of her sport.
With podium finishes at Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022, Fontana has built one of the most decorated careers in Winter Olympic history. Her latest triumph in Milan not only extended her record as the most decorated short track speed skater of all time but also moved her within one medal of equalling fencing great Edoardo Mangiarotti as Italy’s most successful Olympian — summer or winter.
Italy on a Mission
Italy’s quartet of Elisa Confortola, Pietro Sighel and Fontana dominated the mixed team relay final from the outset. Fontana set the tone early, putting Italy into the lead during her second stint before Sighel sealed the gold in style, spinning backward across the finish line and cupping his ear to the thunderous applause.Canada finished second while Belgium took bronze.
“This is our home. We’re here to protect it,” Fontana said, revealing the team’s motto going into the race. “We wanted to show the crowd that we’re on a mission — and that’s exactly what we delivered.”
In trademark fashion, Fontana celebrated by holding up her gold medal alongside a cardboard cutout of her own face, sticking out her tongue to mirror the image — a playful nod from a champion still relishing the moment.
A Career That Defies Time
Fontana entered Milano Cortina already as Italy’s most decorated Winter Olympian. Yet she shows no signs of slowing down.
“If my 15-year-old self could see me now, she wouldn’t believe I’m still here,” Fontana said with a laugh.
“She would ask, ‘Why are you still skating?’ But I’m sure she would be proud.”
And she may not be done yet. Fontana safely progressed through the heats of the women’s 500m — an event she won in both 2018 and 2022 — giving her another opportunity to extend her remarkable medal tally.
Six Olympics. Twelve medals. Still hungry for more.
At Milano Cortina 2026, Arianna Fontana is not just defending home ice — she is redefining longevity and greatness in Winter Olympic sport.
Source: ESPN, Milano Cortina 2026
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