Italy has officially surpassed its previous best performance at the Winter Olympics, achieving a historic medal tally with a week still remaining in the competition. As of March 3, 2024, the host nation has secured a total of 22 medals, breaking its previous record of 20 medals set during the Lillehammer Games in 1994. This remarkable achievement includes two golds, one silver, and one bronze won in rapid succession on Sunday.
Italy’s cross-country team initiated the medal rush by clinching bronze in the men’s 4×7.5-kilometer relay. This was quickly followed by a stunning victory from Federica Brignone, who claimed her second gold medal in the women’s giant slalom, just weeks after returning to competition from a severe leg injury. Shortly thereafter, the mixed team snowboard cross duo of Michela Moioli and Lorenzo Sommariva secured a silver medal, bringing Italy’s total to 21 and setting a new national record at the Milan-Cortina Games.
The day concluded with Lisa Vittozzi winning gold in the 10-kilometer pursuit biathlon race, contributing to a medal haul that has already surpassed the initial target of 19 set by Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian Olympic Committee. The current breakdown reflects Italy’s strength across various disciplines: eight golds, four silvers, and ten bronzes.
In Lillehammer, Italy finished fourth in the overall medal standings, trailing behind Russia, host nation Norway, and Germany. In stark contrast, the Azzurri have consistently ranked among the top two in Milan-Cortina, reflecting a significant improvement compared to their 17 medals at the last Winter Olympics in Beijing and the 11 they secured during the 2006 Games in Turin.
Historic Day for Italian Athletes
The early days of the Games hinted at Italy’s potential for a standout performance. On Day 3, the nation achieved a record-breaking six medals in a single day, a feat that resonated deeply with local organizers. Giovanni Malagò, president of the local organizing committee, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “What an incredible day: six medals in 24 hours at the Winter Olympics will go down in history.” He also emphasized the importance of diversity in sports, noting that Italy’s success spans disciplines where they have historically not been as competitive.
The narratives behind some of the medal wins have also added to the excitement surrounding the Games. Brignone’s victory in the women’s super-G, despite her ongoing recovery from multiple leg fractures, exemplifies resilience and determination. Meanwhile, Arianna Fontana continues to make history in short track speed skating, having secured her 12th and 13th Olympic medals, equalling the record for the most Olympic medals by an Italian athlete, a benchmark held by fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti since 1960.
International Recognition and Future Prospects
The achievements of the Italian team have not gone unnoticed by the global sporting community. Kirsty Coventry, president of the International Olympic Committee, praised the team’s performance, stating, “We’re getting to see the Italian team do incredibly well. … Their stories of resilience and fight were showcased beautifully.”
With seven days remaining in the competition, Italy’s athletes are poised to extend their record even further. The culmination of hard work, perseverance, and the spirit of competition has transformed these Games into a moment of national pride. As the world watches, Italy’s continued success may set new benchmarks for future Winter Olympics, proving that home advantage can indeed be a powerful catalyst for sporting excellence.
