Arianna Fontana, Italy’s most decorated Winter Olympian, prepares for her sixth Olympic Games, reflecting on two decades of competition and the significance of returning to her home country.
As the kitchen at Arianna Fontana’s parents’ house fills with family and friends, the atmosphere is lively and celebratory. Following her recent success at the European Championships in the Netherlands, Fontana is surrounded by loved ones, sharing hugs and laughter while helping her mother serve traditional Italian dishes like pizzocheri and taroz.
For Fontana, the first order of business upon returning home is to see her parents. “I need a hug from them,” she says, emphasizing the importance of family and food in Italian culture. After two decades in the sport, the 35-year-old short track speed skater is gearing up for what may be her final Olympic appearance, competing on home ice in Milano Cortina.
Fontana made her Olympic debut at just 15 years old, winning a bronze medal in the 3,000-meter relay at the 2006 Turin Games. This achievement made her the youngest Italian medallist in Winter Olympic history. Now, as she prepares for her sixth Games, she carries with her an impressive collection of 11 Olympic medals, the most in short track history.
Reflecting on her journey, Fontana expresses gratitude for the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd once again. “I’m really fortunate … I get to do it twice in my career,” she notes, highlighting the significance of returning to her roots after so many years.
Since her first Olympic experience, Fontana has witnessed significant changes in her life and career. The challenge now lies in balancing the competitive spirit that has driven her with the realities of an aging body. “I can’t train like a 20-year-old, so my training needs to reflect that,” she explains. Her husband, Anthony Lobello, who also serves as her coach, has played a crucial role in adapting her training regimen to meet her evolving needs.
At the rink, Lobello provides strategic insights, whispering details about her rivals’ tendencies to help Fontana anticipate race dynamics. “Number one always passes at three laps to go,” he reminds her, allowing her to mentally prepare for the competition ahead. Additionally, Fontana’s equipment has been customized to enhance her performance, including a specially designed blade rocker that suits her skating style.
Fontana’s approach to training has also shifted to accommodate her body’s changing needs. She emphasizes the importance of recovery and nutrition, noting that her diet has been refined over the years. “For Italians, food is really important, and it’s also really important for athletes because it’s our fuel,” she says. She recalls bringing bresaola, a traditional cured meat, to her previous Olympic Games, using a meat slicer to enjoy it daily as a source of energy.
Despite the pressures of competition, Fontana and Lobello strive to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. They have established rules to separate their roles as coach and athlete from their relationship as husband and wife. “At 6 p.m., we don’t talk about skating or training anymore,” she shares. “We just try to really separate the two figures.” This approach allows them to enjoy quality time together outside of the rink.
Fontana’s competitive spirit remains strong, whether she is on the ice, fishing, or playing cards with family. “The competitiveness that I have in me is always there,” she affirms, showcasing her dedication to the sport that has defined her life.
As she prepares for the upcoming Games, Fontana reflects on her remarkable journey and the support she has received along the way. “I feel really fortunate and also proud of everything I accomplished and what I went through that allowed me to have such a long career,” she says, looking forward to what promises to be a special experience in Milano Cortina.
With the opening ceremony approaching, Fontana is ready to embrace the challenges ahead, fueled by the love of her family and the memories of her storied career. “I don’t know if I’ll feel like I’m done after this game,” she admits. “I will let you know after the 22nd of February.” As she steps onto the ice once more, Fontana carries with her the hopes of a nation and the legacy of a remarkable career.
According to Reuters, Fontana’s journey is a testament to her resilience and passion for the sport, as she prepares to make history once again.