As World Thrilled to Italy’s Winter Olympics, Italian and Italian-American Women Shone Brightly
Francesca Lollobrigida
The 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milan and Cortina D’Ampezzo in Northern Italy are now history. Italians and Italian Americans had many reasons for pride.
Italy had the most successful Winter Games in its history, finishing third in the overall medal count. The Italian team surpassed its previous record medal haul of 20 set at Lillehammer, Norway, in 1994, reaching 30 total medals — including 10 gold, 6 silver and 14 bronze. This historic performance reflected a deep and balanced effort across disciplines from ski racing and biathlon to speed skating and snowboarding.
Italian athletes have delivered some standout moments that stand as defining highlights of the games. Federica Brignone captured her second gold medal in giant slalom, adding to her super-G victory and extending her legacy as one of Italy’s most decorated Winter Olympians. In biathlon, Lisa Vittozzi claimed her first Olympic gold in the women’s 10 km pursuit with a flawless shooting performance. Speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida also contributed an important gold on the ice, showcasing Italy’s growing strength in long-track competition.
Italy’s success at Milano-Cortina resonated with fans and experts alike. Beyond the numbers, the emotional impact of these results — from home crowd roars to veteran athletes rising to the occasion — made this edition an unforgettable chapter in Italian Olympic sport.
American athletes of Italian descent also had some shining moments. Three Italian-American women won medals for the United States. Hayley Scamurra, 31, shared the gold medal with 22 other players in the women’s ice hockey team competition. Scamurra also shared the silver medal with her teammates during the 2022 Winter Olympics. Isabeau Levito, 18, shared the gold medal with 15 other Americans in the figure skating team event. Mia Manganello, 36, won the bronze medal in the women's mass start speed skating race. The Italian-American men, alas, were shut out.
Mia Manganello
Norway won the most medals, 41. The USA finished second with 33: 12 gold, 12 silver, and 9 bronze.
(This article was submitted by Phil Micali with updates and additions by Sonny Scafetta.)
Spring 2026