Federica Brignone’s Epic Comeback Steals the Show (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Milan-Cortina, Italy – Hosts Italy captured the spotlight at the 2026 Winter Olympics with a staggering 22 medals, placing second overall behind Norway and surpassing their previous best performances.[1][2]
Federica Brignone’s Epic Comeback Steals the Show
Federica Brignone overcame a career-threatening injury to claim two gold medals in alpine skiing, including a triumphant giant slalom victory in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Ten months earlier, she endured a tibia fracture, fibula break, multi-fragment tibial plateau damage, and complete knee dislocation involving both ligaments – an ordeal that typically demands over two years of recovery. Yet Brignone stood atop the podium, soaking in the national anthem amid roaring home crowds.
“We are having an incredible [Winter Games], it was everyone’s dream,” Brignone said after her second gold.[1] Her success highlighted Italy’s resilience, with Sweden’s Sara Hector and Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund bowing in respect at the finish line.
Depth Powers Italy’s Broad Success
Italy’s medal tally – eight gold, four silver, and ten bronze – spanned alpine skiing, speed skating, biathlon, luge, short track, and cross-country skiing, unlike Norway’s focus on biathlon and cross-country. Speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida earned two medals, while biathlete Lisa Vittozzi delivered Italy’s first-ever gold in the discipline alongside a silver.
“It’s incredible, because we are in Italy. The Olympics are in Italy, this is the dream of my dreams,” Lollobrigida remarked.[1] Luge veteran Dominick Fischnaller added two bronzes on Cortina’s new track, praising the facility’s role in their achievements.
| Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | 12 | 7 | 7 | 26 |
| Italy | 8 | 4 | 10 | 22 |
| Netherlands | 6 | 5 | 1 | 12 |
| United States | 5 | 8 | 4 | 17 |
Veterans Seal Careers with Home Medals
Several Italian icons chose Milan-Cortina for their final bow, retiring with fresh hardware. Short track star Arianna Fontana secured gold and bronze, becoming the first woman to medal across six straight Winter Olympics. Biathlete Dorothea Wierer, Italy’s most decorated in her sport, added a silver.
Cross-country skier Federico Pellegrino claimed bronze in the men’s 4×7.5km relay. “Another chance like this will never happen again,” he reflected. International Olympic Committee member Giovanni Malagò called the run “something historic, for our talented and extraordinary athletes.”[1]
All Flagbearers Deliver Podium Glory
Italy’s four flagbearers from the opening ceremony all medaled, underscoring team depth:
- Arianna Fontana: Gold in mixed relay, silver in women’s 500m.
- Federica Brignone: Golds in super-G and giant slalom.
- Amos Mosaner (with Stefania Constantini): Bronze in mixed doubles curling.
- Federico Pellegrino: Bronze in men’s 4×7.5km relay.
This collective triumph fueled national euphoria, with five days left to chase more.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Italy’s 22 medals mark their best Winter Olympics ever, beating the 1994 Lillehammer record.
- Home crowds and diverse strengths propelled second-place standing.
- Flagbearers and veterans alike etched lasting legacies on familiar terrain.
Italy’s athletes transformed hosting duties into a golden era, blending grit, talent, and passion. With competitions ongoing, their story promises further chapters – what moments stood out to you? Share in the comments.
