At 35, Italian short track speed skater Arianna Fontana just added another chapter to her legendary career with a silver medal in the women's 500-meter event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics – her 13th Olympic podium finish since her debut in 2006. 🏅
From Teen Phenom to Ice Queen 👑
Fontana first competed at 15 in Turin 2006, becoming Italy's youngest Winter Olympian. Now, two decades later, she's the most decorated short track skater in history, with medals spanning five Winter Games. Her secret? 'I race like it’s my first time – but with 20 years of muscle memory,' she told CGTN’s Greg Laffradi.
Silver Linings & Future Plans 🌠
Though narrowly missing gold this year, Fontana called her 2026 performance 'a victory lap for everyone who believed in me.' When asked about retirement, she teased: 'My skates aren’t retired yet – but maybe after 13 medals, I’ll let my ankles rest!' 😂
With her mix of grit and charm, Fontana remains a role model for young athletes worldwide. As one fan tweeted: '13 medals, 1 legend – math even TikTok can’t argue with.' ✨
