Italy's Arianna Fontana Makes History with 12th Olympic Medal as Azzurri Claim Short Track Mixed Relay Gold

Italy's short track speed skating team delivered a sensational performance on home ice at Milano Cortina 2026, claiming gold in the mixed team relay while Arianna Fontana cemented her legacy as the greatest short track Olympian of all time. The Italian quartet of Elisa Confortola, Arianna Fontana, Pietro Sighel and Thomas Nadalini crossed the finish line in 2 minutes and 39.019 seconds, holding off Canada and Belgium to secure the nation's second gold medal of these Winter Games.

Fontana's triumph marks her 12th Olympic medal across six Winter Games, extending her record as the most decorated short track speedskater in history. The 35-year-old veteran now has three gold medals, four silver medals, and five bronze medals spanning from Turin 2006 to Milano Cortina 2026. Her longevity and consistency at the highest level of competition is unparalleled in the sport, and this latest gold on Italian soil provided a storybook moment for one of winter sports' most accomplished athletes.

The Italian team dominated from the opening meters of the 2000-meter race, taking the lead immediately and never relinquishing control despite intense pressure from the chasing pack. With a capacity crowd at the Palavela arena roaring their support, the home nation's skaters maintained their composure and tactical discipline throughout all eight exchanges. Canada finished as runners-up in 2:39.258, just 0.239 seconds behind Italy, while Belgium captured bronze in 2:39.353, making it one of the closest podium finishes of the Games.

The mixed team relay format, which features two men and two women completing 4.5 laps each, has become one of short track's most exciting events since its Olympic debut. Italy's tactical execution was flawless, with each skater maximizing their acceleration out of exchanges and maintaining optimal racing lines through the tight turns. Fontana skated the crucial third leg, using her decades of experience to protect Italy's lead position while conserving energy for her teammates' final push.

This gold medal adds to Italy's impressive medal haul at their home Olympics, bringing the nation's total to 11 medals through the first four days of competition. Italy now leads all nations in total medals, though Norway and Switzerland are tied with three gold medals each atop the gold medal standings. The passionate home crowd support has clearly energized Italian athletes across multiple disciplines, creating memorable moments throughout the venues in Milan and Cortina.

For Fontana, this victory represents a perfect culmination to an extraordinary Olympic career that has spanned two decades. While she has not announced her retirement, competing and winning on home soil at age 35 provides a fitting chapter to her remarkable story. Her influence on Italian short track and winter sports extends far beyond her medal count, inspiring a new generation of skaters who witnessed her historic achievement in the Palavela arena on this memorable February evening.