Italy has officially marked its best Winter Olympics performance ever, surpassing its previous medal record with a week still remaining in the competition. The host nation achieved a remarkable total of 22 medals on Sunday, February 25, 2024, with four medals awarded in rapid succession, including two golds, a silver, and a bronze. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 20 medals set at the Lillehammer Games in 1994.
Italy’s cross-country team started the medal rush by securing a bronze in the men’s 4×7.5-kilometer relay. Shortly thereafter, Federica Brignone clinched her second gold medal of the Games in the giant slalom, marking a triumphant return to racing after a serious injury last year. Just under an hour later, Michela Moioli and Lorenzo Sommariva earned a silver in the mixed team snowboard cross, bringing Italy’s medal total to 21, officially breaking the previous record.
Impressive Medal Breakdown and Key Highlights
Following these successes, Lisa Vittozzi added another gold in the 10-kilometer pursuit biathlon race. So far, Italy’s medal tally includes eight golds, four silvers, and ten bronzes, far exceeding the initial target of 19 medals set by Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian Olympic Committee, prior to the Games.
Historically, Italy finished fourth in the final medal standings at the Lillehammer Games, trailing behind Russia, Norway, and Germany. In contrast, the Azzurri have maintained a strong presence in the top two positions throughout the current Games. At the previous Winter Olympics in Beijing, Italy secured 17 medals, while its performance during the last home Games in Turin in 2006 yielded only 11 medals.
Excitement began to build as early as Day 3 of the competition, when Italy achieved a record-breaking six medals in a single day—an unprecedented accomplishment in Winter Olympic history. Giovanni Malagò, president of the local organizing committee, remarked, “What an incredible day: six medals in 24 hours at the Winter Olympics will go down in history. The multidisciplinary nature of the medals shows that we are competitive in a variety of sports.”
Stories of Resilience and Achievement
The narrative surrounding Italy’s medal successes adds a powerful emotional layer to the Games. Brignone, 35, showcased remarkable resilience, overcoming significant pain to win gold in the women’s super-G event despite a year of rehabilitation following multiple leg fractures. Meanwhile, Arianna Fontana, the most decorated short-track speedskater in history, achieved her 12th and 13th Olympic medals, matching the record held by fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti since 1960.
International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry expressed her admiration for the Italian team’s performance, stating, “We’re getting to see the Italian team do incredibly well. The stories of resilience and fight showcase everything good in humanity.”
As the Winter Olympics continue in Milan Cortina, Italy stands poised to add to its impressive medal collection, with the spirit of competition and national pride evident in every event. The Games, which conclude on March 3, 2024, promise to deliver even more thrilling moments for athletes and fans alike.
