How Did Fontana Achieve 13 Olympic Medals in 20 Years?

Arianna Fontana continues to demonstrate her remarkable prowess in Olympic speed skating, adding yet another silver medal to her collection in the women's 500m at the Winter Olympics, where she finished behind the Netherlands' Xandra Velzeboer. This achievement marks Fontana's second medal of the Games, highlighting her status as one of the most decorated female athletes in Olympic history with 13 medals, tying her with fellow Italian Edoardo Mangiarotti. Her journey from a teenage bronze medalist at Turin 2006 to carrying the Italian flag at the opening ceremony of Milan 2026 underscores her enduring legacy in the sport.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

At the ongoing Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Arianna Fontana has again showcased her exceptional talent, securing a silver medal in the women’s 500m event. This recent performance adds to her illustrious career, where she has consistently been a podium finisher. Fontana's competitive spirit remains undiminished as she continues to excel despite facing injuries leading up to the Games. Her journey not only reflects individual achievement but also highlights the broader narrative of resilience and dedication that characterises elite athletes.

Key takeaways

Arianna Fontana won silver in the women's 500m at the Winter Olympics 2026.
She now has a total of 13 Olympic medals, tying with Edoardo Mangiarotti for the most by an Italian athlete.
Fontana is the only female athlete to finish on the podium in six consecutive Winter Olympics.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of Arianna Fontana's Olympic journey illustrates her remarkable consistency and growth as an athlete:

2006 (10 February): Fontana wins her first Olympic medal, a bronze in the 3000m relay at Turin, at the age of 15.
2010: She competes in Vancouver, marking her second Winter Olympic appearance.
2014: Fontana secures a silver medal in the 500m in Sochi.
2018: She wins gold in the 500m at Pyeongchang, further solidifying her legacy.
2022: Fontana captures another gold at the Beijing Olympics, continuing her winning streak.
2026 (30 October): She wins silver in the women's 500m at Milan-Cortina, bringing her total Olympic medal count to 13.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Arianna Fontana's recent performance in the women's 500m is a significant highlight of the Winter Olympics, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure despite recent injuries. Her success is especially poignant as it happens in her home country, adding a layer of emotional significance to her achievements.

What was already established

Fontana has been a consistent force in short track speed skating, with a proven track record of success across multiple Olympic Games. She is known for her strong mental fortitude and her ability to adapt and overcome challenges, including injuries that have affected her training leading up to these Games.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The excitement surrounding the Winter Olympics, particularly with an athlete like Fontana competing, can influence local enthusiasm for winter sports. Increased interest may lead to more participation in ice skating and related activities across the UK, potentially boosting sports tourism and local economies.

Businesses and jobs

As international attention turns to Italy for the Winter Olympics, businesses involved in sports equipment, hospitality, and tourism are likely to benefit. Additionally, the increased profile of winter sports may inspire UK organisations to invest more in developing athletes in these disciplines.

Policy and regulation

The success of athletes like Fontana may encourage UK sports councils to increase funding and support for winter sports programmes. This could lead to a shift in focus regarding the development of young talent in these areas, influencing future policies related to sports funding and infrastructure.

Numbers that matter

13 - Total number of Olympic medals won by Arianna Fontana, making her one of the most decorated athletes in Italian history.
6 - The number of consecutive Winter Olympics in which Fontana has medalled, a record for female athletes.
2 - The number of medals Fontana has secured at the Milan-Cortina Games so far.

Definitions and jargon buster

Short Track Speed Skating: A form of competitive ice speed skating where races take place on an oval track.
Winter Olympics: A major international multi-sport event held every four years, featuring winter sports.
Mixed Team Relay: A competition format where teams consist of both male and female athletes competing together.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Fontana will likely focus on recovering from her recent races and preparing for any upcoming events in the current Olympic schedule. This involves physical recovery and mental preparation to maintain her competitive edge.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Olympics, Fontana may evaluate her future in the sport, considering whether to continue competing or to transition into coaching or sports advocacy. Her experience could be invaluable in mentoring younger athletes.

Signals to watch

Performance in upcoming speed skating events, particularly in team formats.
Statements regarding Fontana's plans for retirement or continued competition.
Changes in sponsorship deals or endorsements related to her Olympic success.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed on Olympic events and athlete performances to engage with the sport.
Encourage participation in winter sports to foster a greater appreciation for athletes like Fontana.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of mental health on athletes; support systems are crucial for their well-being.
Dismiss the significance of home advantage in sports; it can provide emotional and psychological support.

Checklist

Follow Fontana's upcoming races and training updates.
Engage with local winter sports clubs to learn about participation opportunities.
Monitor news on funding and support for winter sports in the UK.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Fontana's achievements are commendable, there are uncertainties regarding her future participation in competitions due to the physical toll of her injuries. The mental health aspect of elite athletics is also a concern, as it can significantly affect performance and longevity in the sport. Fontana's decision-making regarding her career will likely hinge on both physical readiness and mental fortitude.

Bottom line

Arianna Fontana's continued success in the Winter Olympics illustrates her extraordinary dedication and skill in speed skating. As she balances the pressures of competition with personal well-being, her journey remains an inspiring narrative for athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. As the Winter Games progress, it will be intriguing to see how she navigates the challenges ahead.

FAQs

How many medals has Arianna Fontana won in her Olympic career?

Arianna Fontana has won a total of 13 Olympic medals, making her one of the most decorated Italian athletes in history.

What is Arianna Fontana's best event?

Fontana has excelled in multiple distances within short track speed skating, but she is particularly renowned for her performances in the 500m event.

What challenges has Fontana faced leading up to the Winter Olympics?

In the lead-up to the Winter Olympics, Fontana faced several injuries, including a hip issue, which affected her preparations and forced her to focus on shorter distances.