After the gold in the 3,000 meters, the experienced Italian also celebrated in the 5,000 meters yesterday and thus won her second Olympic gold. At the previous games, this 35-year-old won silver and bronze medals in these two disciplines, and now she is the absolute hero of the country-organizer of the ZOI.
In May 2023, she gave birth to a son
If the last name sounds familiar, it’s because her great-grandmother was the late famous actress Gina. After the gold in the 3,000 meters, emotions flooded the hall as soon as she stood in front of the cameras with her child in her arms. After she gave birth to her son in May 2023, many thought that her top career was over. But Francesca returned to training just four months later, more determined than ever.
“The message I want to send is that I didn’t choose between my family and being a mom, on the one hand, and a speed skater on the other,” said the Italian at the time, adding: “In addition to doing this for myself, I did it for him too, so that one day he would be proud of me. Not only because I’m an Olympic champion, but because of the whole journey we’ve gone through together. This was to show people that you can be a mother and come back much stronger.”
She was thinking of giving up
Lollobrigida admitted that the season leading up to the Games was the most difficult in her career.
“I wanted this season to be perfect, but it turned out to be the worst in my life. During the World Cup qualifiers, I constantly cried after the races and thought about giving up, because between October and December I had a virus. Thanks to my son, my husband, my family who supported me and my teammates – I managed to endure. I wanted to show my son, who was here and watched, how strong his mom is. Never give up,” said the Olympic champion.
(Vijesti.ba)
