20 Years of Olympic Excellence
For two decades, Arianna Fontana has remained a dominant force in Olympic short track speed skating. At 35, she added her 13th Olympic medal to her collection, proving that her drive and consistency have not faded with time.
At the Winter Games in Milan, Fontana claimed silver in the women’s 500m event. She previously won gold in this distance in 2018 and 2022. This time, the title went to the Netherlands’ Xandra Velzeboer. Even so, Fontana’s podium finish reinforced her status as one of the sport’s all time greats.
Earlier in the Games, she helped Italy secure gold in the mixed team relay. That medal marked another milestone in a career defined by longevity and excellence.
Matching a National Record
With 13 Olympic medals, Fontana now equals the record of Italian fencing legend Edoardo Mangiarotti. She stands as Italy’s joint most decorated Olympian.
She is also the only woman to reach the podium in six consecutive Winter Olympic Games. Her medal haul spans every Olympic short track distance, a rare achievement that highlights her versatility and resilience.
From Turin Teenager to National Icon
Fontana’s Olympic journey began at the 2006 Winter Games in Turin. She was only 15 when she won bronze in the 3000m relay. At the time, she admitted she did not fully grasp the magnitude of her achievement.
Competing on home ice again in Milan brought her story full circle. Two decades after Turin, she returned as one of the faces of Italian sport. She carried the national flag during the opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium, an honor she also received at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
The teenager who once competed without pressure now leads her country as a veteran champion.
The Mindset Behind the Medals
Fontana credits her success to passion and self belief. She says her motivation today mirrors what she felt at 15. She never steps onto the ice just to participate. She competes to perform at her best.
Experience has also taught her to listen to her body. Over the years, she has taken more breaks from competition to protect her mental health. She acknowledges that elite athletes place immense pressure on themselves. Managing that pressure has become a key part of her strategy.
Her preparation for these Games was not smooth. Injuries, including a hip problem in October, disrupted her training. She originally planned to compete in long track events as well. Instead, she focused on short track, the discipline that built her career.
A Strong Partnership On and Off the Ice
Fontana works closely with her coach and husband, Anthony Lobello. The pair have spent years traveling the world for competitions. Their shared experience has strengthened both their professional and personal relationship.
She says Lobello understands her needs as an athlete. At the same time, they try to keep training discussions out of their home life. That balance has helped her sustain a long and demanding career.
A Legacy Still Growing
Few athletes maintain Olympic success across 20 years. Fewer still remain at the top of their sport into their mid 30s. Arianna Fontana continues to defy expectations.
With 13 medals and counting, she has secured her place in Olympic history. Yet her passion for speed skating suggests her story may not be finished.
