Italian short track legend Arianna Fontana has made Olympic history at Milano Cortina 2026, claiming silver in the women's 500m to equal Italy's all-time medal record.
Fontana's second-place finish in the 500 metres brings her Olympic medal tally to an extraordinary 13, matching the historic record set by fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti. The achievement cements her status as one of Italy's greatest ever Winter Olympians and confirms her remarkable longevity at the highest level of short track speed skating.
The 34-year-old has been a fixture on Olympic podiums since her debut at Turin 2006, collecting medals across five successive Winter Games. Her consistency and competitive drive have defined an era in Italian winter sports, inspiring a new generation of short track athletes.
Historic Medal Haul Spans Two Decades
Fontana's journey to 13 Olympic medals represents an unprecedented achievement in winter sports. From her breakthrough bronze in the 3000m relay at Turin 2006 to this latest silver on home snow in Milano Cortina, she has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination across multiple Olympic cycles.
The 500m distance has been particularly fruitful for the Lombardy native throughout her career. Her ability to compete at the sharp end of one of short track's most explosive events, even as she enters the latter stages of her career, speaks to her world-class technique and race craft.
Equalling Mangiarotti's Italian Record
By reaching 13 Olympic medals, Fontana now shares the Italian record with legendary fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti, who accumulated his medal collection between 1936 and 1960. Mangiarotti's haul included six golds, five silvers and two bronzes across individual and team foil and épée events.
Short TrackKamila Sellier undergoes eye surgery after Short Track blade injuryThe comparison between a fencer from the mid-20th century and a modern short track skater highlights the evolution of Italian Olympic sport. While Mangiarotti dominated in an era when Italy was a fencing powerhouse, Fontana has carved out her legacy in a sport where Italian success was far from guaranteed.
Racing at Home in Milano Cortina
Competing at a home Olympics added extra significance to Fontana's 13th medal. The Milano Cortina 2026 Games have provided Italian athletes with the opportunity to perform in front of passionate home crowds, and Fontana delivered when it mattered most.
The silver medal in the 500m may not be gold, but it represents another chapter in one of winter sports' most remarkable careers. Whether Fontana continues beyond Milano Cortina remains to be seen, but her place in Italian sporting history is already secure alongside the nation's all-time greats.
