Paris 2024 iQ Foil windsurfing champion Marta Maggetti is celebrating a powerful trend at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics: athlete mothers dominating their fields. In an exclusive interview with CGTN Sports Scene's Zhu Mandan at Italy House, Maggetti praised competitors like Francesca Lollobrigida, who just won her second gold medal in women's speed skating—all while raising a two-year-old.
🔥 'It's super strong for a woman to chase these two golds,' Maggetti said, her voice brimming with admiration. 'Matching sport and family is really hard… I hope I will do also like this.'
At 35, Lollobrigida isn't just breaking records—she's smashing stereotypes. Her victory in the 5,000-meter event has sparked global conversations about motherhood in elite sports. Maggetti noted that her own sport sees many mothers returning to competition: 'They start again, and it's really nice.'
👩👦 Why It Matters: With over 30% of female Olympians now mothers (per 2026 IOC data), these athletes are redefining what's possible. From pre-dawn training sessions to bedtime stories, they're proving that parenthood and podium finishes can coexist.
🌍 Youth Impact: Maggetti's shoutout resonates with Gen-Z audiences, who prioritize work-life balance and gender equality. Her message? 'It's something really strong for everyone.'
