WORLD SPORTS REPORT: FEBRUARY 7, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS IGNITE MILAN WHILE T20 WORLD CUP EXPLODES INTO LIFE IN MUMBAI, T20 World Cup Shock: USA Stuns India; Lollobrigida Wins Olympic Gold
By on 0
WORLD SPORTS REPORT: FEBRUARY 7, 2026

WORLD SPORTS REPORT: FEBRUARY 7, 2026

GLOBAL HEADLINES: WINTER OLYMPICS IGNITE MILAN WHILE T20 WORLD CUP EXPLODES INTO LIFE IN MUMBAI

Today marks a historic intersection of global athletics as the 2026 Winter Olympics officially open in the fashion capital of Milan, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins its month-long journey across India and Sri Lanka. From the "Armonia" of the Italian Alps to the high-stakes cricket fields of the subcontinent, the sporting world is witnessing a day of unprecedented spectacle, scientific innovation, and geopolitical drama.

SECTION I: THE XXV OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES — MILANO CORTINA 2026

A Symphony of Harmony: Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli Lead Star-Studded Opening

The 2026 Winter Olympics officially commenced on February 6 with a breathtaking Opening Ceremony at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium. Under the theme of "Armonia" (Harmony), the three-hour spectacle welcomed nearly 2,900 athletes from 93 nations who will compete for 116 gold medals over the next 16 days.

Key Highlights of the Ceremony:

  • Musical Powerhouses: The ceremony featured a headline performance by five-time Grammy winner Mariah Carey, marking her return to the Olympic stage. She was joined by legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who returned to the Games 20 years after his performance at Turin 2006, as well as Laura Pausini and pianist Lang Lang.
  • A Historic First for Leadership: The Games were formally opened by President Sergio Mattarella, marking the first Winter Olympics under IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the organization’s first female leader.
  • Dual-City Innovation: In a historic first, the ceremony spanned multiple locations simultaneously, with segments broadcast from San Siro, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo. Two Olympic cauldrons, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s geometric "Knots," were lit simultaneously in Milan and Cortina.

The NHL Returns: 150 Superstars Board Planes for Milan

After a 12-year hiatus, the NHL's elite are officially returning to Olympic ice. Nearly 150 players began boarding charter flights from the New York area today, bound for Italy.

  • Best-on-Best Competition: The tournament will feature icons like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby (Canada), Auston Matthews and Connor Hellebuyck (USA), and Leon Draisaitl (Germany).
  • Franchise Representation: All 32 NHL teams have at least one player at the Games, with the Florida Panthers leading the league with 10 representatives.
  • Grueling Schedule: Players are expected to land Sunday and begin practicing within hours, with the tournament officially beginning on Wednesday.

Team USA’s Quest for Gold: Vonn’s Defiant Comeback

The United States has fielded its largest-ever Winter Olympic delegation with 223 athletes.

The Science of Speed: Physics and Sustainability Take Center Stage

The Milano Cortina Games are serving as a laboratory for scientific advancement.

  • The PFAS Ban: In a historic materials-science shift, the Games have implemented a strict ban on fluorinated ski waxes due to environmental and health concerns, forcing teams to adopt new PFAS-free polymer coatings.
  • Engineered Ice: "Ice is not just ice." Canadian firm Jet Ice is manipulating water chemistry to suit specific sports. Curling requires nearly pure water (0–10 ppm total dissolved solids) for hard ice, while Figure Skating requires softer ice (120–150 ppm) to provide "give" during jumps.
  • Aerodynamic Innovation: Teams from Italy, Canada, and the Netherlands are debuting hybrid aerodynamic suits that claim an 8% reduction in air resistance, utilizing dual-layer construction to create beneficial turbulence at high speeds.

Art, Fashion, and a Final Tribute to Armani

As the Games take place in a global fashion capital, the Opening Ceremony doubled as a runway.

  • Giorgio Armani Tribute: The ceremony featured a moving tribute to the late Giorgio Armani, who passed away in September 2025. Sixty models formed a living Italian flag in his signature tailoring while Vittoria Ceretti carried the Tricolore in a custom Armani Privé gown.
  • Viral Fashion: Mongolia’s delegation became an overnight sensation on social media for their ceremonial deels—traditional long belted garments—designed by Michel & Amazonka, inspired by the 13th-century Mongol Empire.
  • The "Vibes" Identity: The Games' visual identity, the "Look of the Games," features the "Futura" emblem, a stylized "26" designed to look like a finger tracing through frost, which was selected by a public vote of 871,000 people.

SECTION II: 2026 ICC MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP

Mumbai’s High-Flying Start: Jetpacks and Superstars

The T20 World Cup 2026 officially burst into life today at Wankhede Stadium.

  • Spectacular Opening: The ceremony featured a jetpack performer carrying the World Cup trophy into the stadium, where it was received by ICC Chairman Jay Shah and former captain Rohit Sharma.
  • Entertainment: Performers included rapper Badshah, dancer Nora Fatehi, and neo-classical virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma.
  • Tournament Format: Twenty teams will compete in 55 matches across India and Sri Lanka, culminating in the final on March 8.

India’s Title Defense: Favorites at Home

The defending champions, led by Suryakumar Yadav, open their campaign against the United States in Mumbai.

  • Dominant Form: India has won 33 of their last 39 T20 internationals since their 2024 triumph.
  • Star Power: The squad features Abhishek Sharma, the world’s top-ranked T20 batter, and a bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy.
  • Squad Change: India faced an early setback as pacer Harshit Rana was ruled out with a knee injury sustained in a warm-up match. He has been replaced by 111-cap veteran Mohammed Siraj.

The Australia Pace Crisis: End of the "Big Three" Era

For the first time since 2011, Australia enters a World Cup without their legendary pace trio.

  • Hazlewood Ruled Out: Just two days before the tournament, Josh Hazlewood was withdrawn due to hamstring and Achilles injuries.
  • Missing Icons: Pat Cummins is sidelined with a lingering back injury, and Mitchell Starc retired from T20Is in September 2025.
  • Depleted Attack: The squad now relies on Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis as their only fully fit specialist fast bowlers.

The Boycott Crisis: Pakistan vs. India Standoff

A major geopolitical shadow looms over the tournament as Pakistan confirmed it will boycott its match against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

  • Solidarity with Bangladesh: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated the decision is a show of support for Bangladesh, who were removed from the tournament after refusing to play in India over security concerns.
  • Dire Consequences: The ICC warned of "significant long-term implications". By forfeiting, Pakistan will receive zero points and a massive net run rate penalty, treating them as if they scored zero runs in 20 overs, which could jeopardize their chances of reaching the Super Eight.
  • Sri Lanka’s Plea: Sri Lanka Cricket has urged Pakistan to reconsider, citing "catastrophic financial fallout" and widespread hotel and flight cancellations in Colombo.

SECTION III: SPORTS BUSINESS & FRANCHISE NEWS

The $1.8 Billion Battle for Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The Glazer family, owners of Manchester United, have launched a massive $1.8 billion bid to acquire the IPL’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) through their vehicle, Lancer Capital.

  • High Valuation: While the Glazers' bid is one of the largest in cricket history, it currently sits below the $2 billion valuation sought by current owner Diageo.
  • Fierce Competition: Other interested parties include Adar Poonawalla (Serum Institute of India) and Dr. Ranjan Pai (Manipal Group).
  • Championship Pedigree: The sale comes at a peak for the franchise, as RCB's men's team won the 2025 IPL title, and the women's team secured the WPL championship just this past Thursday.
  • BCCI Rules: The Glazers are also pursuing the Rajasthan Royals but must eventually choose one, as BCCI rules prohibit owning multiple franchises.

LOOKING AHEAD: FEBRUARY 8, 2026

  • Winter Olympics: The first medals will be awarded tomorrow in women’s alpine skiing, biathlon, and cross-country skiing.
  • T20 World Cup: Pakistan begins their campaign against the Netherlands in Colombo, needing a win to offset their impending forfeit against India.
  • NHL Logistics: Hockey stars will touch down in Milan to begin their rapid acclimatization for Wednesday's openers.

Geopolitical Turmoil Hits 2026 T20 World Cup as Bangladesh Expelled and Pakistan Threatens Boycott

The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup has commenced under a shadow of unprecedented geopolitical crisis, as diplomatic tensions between South Asian nations spill onto the cricket field. The tournament opened at Kolkata's Eden Gardens with Scotland taking the field in place of Bangladesh, following the latter's formal expulsion by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last month.

The standoff originated in early January after the Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL contract following BCCI directives. Citing deteriorating diplomatic relations and "growing concerns regarding the safety and security" of their players, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested their matches be relocated to Sri Lanka. The ICC Board rejected this request in a 14-2 vote on January 21; when Bangladesh failed to confirm their participation within 24 hours, they were replaced by Scotland. BCB President Aminul Islam stated that while they desire to play in the World Cup, they "will not compete in India," noting the ICC stands to lose 200 million viewers due to their absence.

The crisis has since deepened with Pakistan announcing a boycott of its high-profile Group A match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh. The Pakistan government confirmed via social media that the national team "shall not take the field" against India. This move has placed massive financial pressure on the tournament, as the India-Pakistan fixture alone is estimated to be worth $500 million within the ICC’s $3 billion media rights deal.

This controversy has reignited intense scrutiny of India's financial dominance over global cricket. The BCCI currently receives approximately 38.5 percent of the ICC's annual earnings, totaling an estimated $230 million. Critics and former players have pointed to perceived double standards, noting that India has previously been allowed to play Champions Trophy matches at neutral venues when refusing to travel to Pakistan.

The underlying cause of the friction appears to be the sharp deterioration of relations between India and Bangladesh since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, anti-India sentiment has surged, with recent surveys showing only 11 percent of Bangladeshis view their relationship with India positively. While back-channel negotiations continue, the standoff remains the most serious challenge to the sport’s global unity in recent history.

Faheem Ashraf’s Late Heroics Save Pakistan from Netherlands Upset Amid Looming World Cup Boycott

Pakistan narrowly avoided a historic upset in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener, defeating the Netherlands by three wickets thanks to a late-game explosion from Faheem Ashraf. Chasing a modest target of 148 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Pakistan appeared to be in control at 98-2 before a spectacular middle-order collapse saw them lose five wickets for just 16 runs, slumping to 114-7.

The Dutch fightback was sparked by Paul van Meekeren, who took two wickets in the 12th over, and veteran spinner Roelof van der Merwe, who claimed the prized wicket of Babar Azam. With Pakistan’s hopes fading and 29 runs required from the final two overs, Faheem Ashraf turned the tide. After being dropped on 7, the all-rounder capitalized on the reprieve to smash three sixes in the 19th over against Logan van Beek, securing victory with three balls remaining.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan's bowling attack, led by Salman Mirza’s 3-24, restricted the Netherlands to 147 all out. Despite a top score of 37 from captain Scott Edwards, the Netherlands lost their final five wickets for only 25 runs.

This narrow escape comes under the shadow of a major geopolitical crisis for the tournament. Pakistan has officially confirmed it will boycott its February 15 match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were excluded from the competition over security concerns. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the boycott as a "very considered stance". Because of this forfeited fixture, Pakistan faces immense pressure and must win all remaining group matches against the United States and Namibia to have any chance of advancing to the Super Eight stage.

Cracks in the Wall: International Sports Bodies Move to Reintegrate Russia as Milan Games Open

As the 2026 Winter Olympics officially began at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, the unified front of international sports sanctions against Russia and Belarus is showing significant signs of erosion. While 20 athletes from these nations are currently competing in the Milano Cortina Games as Individual Neutral Athletes—prohibited from using national colors or anthems—behind-the-scenes movements suggest a shift toward full reinstatement.

Major Governing Bodies Ease Restrictions The International Judo Federation became the first Olympic organization to fully reinstate Russia in November 2025, allowing athletes to compete under their national flag. This was followed on January 31 by World Taekwondo, which cleared both junior and senior athletes to use their national symbols. Adding to the momentum, FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently argued that Russia's four-year ban from international soccer has "achieved nothing" and should be lifted, at minimum for youth categories, to help "bridge divides".

IOC Signals Neutrality as Reintegration Groundwork During the Olympic session in Milan, IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized that sport must remain "neutral ground". These remarks are widely viewed as the foundation for Russia’s full reintegration ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Russian IOC member Shamil Tarpischev has noted that relations between Russia and the Olympic movement have "improved significantly".

Ukrainian Outrage and Neutrality Concerns The move toward reinstatement has met fierce resistance from Ukraine. Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi slammed Infantino’s comments as "irresponsible" and "childish," stating they ignore the reality of lives lost in the ongoing conflict. Ukraine's flag bearer, Vladyslav Heraskevych, has hinted at potential protests in Milan, criticizing the decision to allow Russian athletes to use the Olympic platform for "propaganda".

Furthermore, the vetting process for "neutral" athletes has come under fire. A BBC investigation found that several cleared athletes may have violated neutrality guidelines through connections to the Russian military or pro-war social media engagement, leading the Ukrainian Olympic Committee to file a formal complaint.

The Road Ahead Despite the easing of some bans, major hurdles remain. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin maintains that peace in Ukraine is a non-negotiable prerequisite for Russia's return to European football. Additionally, Coventry confirmed that even if a ceasefire were reached, Russian athletes would not be permitted to use their national flag for the remainder of the current Milan Games. For now, Ukraine has supported a call for an Olympic truce during the competition, leaving the next move to Russia.

Science and Engineering Take Center Stage at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, which officially opened on February 6 in northern Italy, are proving to be as much a triumph of scientific innovation as they are of athletic prowess. Beyond the medal counts, the Games are serving as a massive real-world laboratory where advancements in physics and materials science are defining the margin between victory and defeat.

Engineering the Perfect Surface

A major highlight of this year’s Games is the world’s first temporary indoor speed skating rink, constructed in Rho, north of Milan. Led by Canadian "ice master" Mark Messer, the project highlights the extreme precision required for Olympic surfaces. Messer explains that speed skating ice must be harder and colder than that of other sports to ensure blades do not lose their edge.

Interestingly, the purity of the water used is a critical variable. While curling requires nearly pure water (0-10 ppm) to create extremely hard ice, figure skating utilizes softer ice with higher impurity levels (120-150 ppm) to provide the necessary "give" for landing jumps.

The Physics of Performance

Experts are also highlighting the fundamental forces at play in various disciplines:

  • Figure Skating: Athletes utilize the conservation of angular momentum. By pulling their arms tight to their bodies, they decrease their moment of inertia, which dramatically increases their spin speed.
  • Ski Jumping: Jumpers must master the balance of gravity, lift, and drag. By positioning their bodies to act like a wing, athletes can remain airborne for up to seven seconds. This requires precision-engineered suits and skis that are strictly proportioned to the athlete’s height and weight.

A Historic Shift in Materials Science

The 2026 Games mark a significant environmental and health milestone with the first total ban on fluorinated ski waxes containing PFAS. These "forever chemicals" were found to be present in the blood of wax technicians at levels 25 times higher than the general population. While the transition to PFAS-free alternatives has resulted in slightly slower speeds, the move is regarded as a landmark shift in the industry.

Innovation continues in apparel, with the debut of a revolutionary hybrid aerodynamic suit. Developed through a four-year collaboration between Dutch, Italian, and Canadian teams alongside researchers from Eindhoven and Ottawa, the dual-layer suit is expected to offer an 8 percent aerodynamic advantage over traditional gear, potentially rewriting the record books in speed skating.

Swiss Star Franjo von Allmen Seizes First Gold of Milano Cortina 2026 in Men’s Downhill

Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland captured the first gold medal of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Saturday, delivering a masterful performance in the men's downhill. The 24-year-old reigning world champion navigated the challenging Stelvio course in Bormio with a winning time of 1 minute, 51.61 seconds. Von Allmen’s victory ensures that Switzerland retains the Olympic downhill title, following Beat Feuz's gold medal at the Beijing 2022 Games.

The Swiss champion held off a charging Italian duo that secured the host nation’s first medals of these Games. Giovanni Franzoni took the silver medal, finishing only 0.20 seconds behind the lead. Dominik Paris, the 36-year-old veteran nicknamed the "King of Bormio," claimed the bronze, marking his first Olympic medal in his fifth Winter Games. Despite being the pre-race favorite, Switzerland's Marco Odermatt narrowly missed the podium, finishing in fourth place.

The event was a significant disappointment for the American team. While Kyle Negomir delivered the top U.S. result by finishing 10th in his Olympic debut, other contenders struggled. Bryce Bennett finished 13th in what he stated would be his final Winter Olympics. Most notably, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, a 2022 silver medalist who had posted the fastest training time earlier in the week, finished in 18th place, nearly two seconds off the winning pace. Bode Miller remains the last American man to medal in this event, having won bronze in 2010.

Crisis in Colombo: Pakistan Boycotts Marquee T20 World Cup Match Against India

The 2026 T20 World Cup has been thrown into turmoil following a Pakistan government directive forbidding its national team from playing against India on February 15. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has demanded an official explanation for the boycott, which has placed the tournament's most lucrative fixture in jeopardy.

Government Directive and "Force Majeure"

The standoff began on February 1 when the Pakistan government announced via social media that while the team could participate in the World Cup, they "shall not take the field" for the scheduled clash in Colombo. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated this was a "very considered stance" intended to show solidarity with Bangladesh, who were recently removed from the tournament after refusing to play in India due to security concerns.

In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has invoked a "Force Majeure" clause, citing the government’s instruction as an extraordinary circumstance beyond its control. However, the ICC has questioned the validity of this claim, asking the PCB to explain why the clause applies to only one specific match while the team continues to compete in the rest of the tournament.

Stakes and Potential Consequences

The ICC has responded firmly, warning that "selective involvement undermines the integrity and spirit" of international cricket and could have long-term negative implications for the sport in Pakistan. Beyond the regulatory friction, the financial stakes are massive:

  • Commercial Value: Previous India-Pakistan encounters have generated over 250 million viewing hours in India alone.
  • Host Impact: Sri Lanka Cricket has warned of significant financial losses and massive hotel cancellations in Colombo, urging the PCB to reconsider.
  • Tournament Standing: Should Pakistan forfeit, they will lose two points and suffer damage to their net run rate.

Current Status and Next Steps

Despite the off-field drama, Pakistan opened their campaign on Saturday with a narrow victory over the Netherlands. Meanwhile, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that his team plans to travel to Colombo as scheduled, regardless of Pakistan's eventual decision.

ICC deputy chair Imran Khwaja is currently engaged in "constructive dialogue" with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to find a resolution. The PCB is expected to consult with the government again and announce a final decision by Monday.

Bollywood Stars and Jetpack Grand Entrance Launch T20 World Cup at Wankhede

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 officially burst into life on Saturday evening at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium with a high-octane opening ceremony. The event, which blended the worlds of cricket and Bollywood, featured high-energy performances by rapper Badshah and dancer Nora Fatehi, setting a festive tone for the month-long tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The evening’s most dramatic highlight occurred when the T20 World Cup trophy was delivered into the stadium by a jetpack performer descending from the night sky. The trophy was received by ICC Chairman Jay Shah and former India captain Rohit Sharma, who is serving as the Tournament Ambassador for this edition. They were joined by 20 children representing each participating nation to officially declare the 10th edition of the tournament open.

The festivities began at 6 PM IST with a musical medley from Rishab Sharma and percussionist Shivamani. Following the trophy's arrival, Badshah and Nora Fatehi performed a "dynamic dance spectacular" supported by a large cast of dancers, concluding with a grand finale and a stunning pyrotechnic display over the Mumbai skyline.

Key Tournament Facts:

  • Scale: 20 teams are competing in 55 matches split across four groups.
  • Defending Champions: India began their title defense under new captain Suryakumar Yadav against the United States immediately after the ceremony.
  • Early Action: While the ceremony was held in Mumbai, the tournament had already begun earlier in the day with matches featuring Pakistan vs. Netherlands in Colombo and West Indies vs. Scotland in Kolkata.
  • Grand Finale: The World Cup final is scheduled for March 8, 2026, with the venue to be determined based on Pakistan's progression in the tournament.

Suryakumar Yadav Rescues India After USA Stuns Hosts with Early Collapse in T20 World Cup Opener

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 began with a stunning performance on Saturday at Wankhede Stadium as the United States pushed defending champions India to the brink before a heroic rescue by captain Suryakumar Yadav. Despite a devastating powerplay collapse that saw the hosts reeling, India managed to finish their innings at 161/9.

The shock began in the second over when USA pace bowler Ali Khan dismissed the world’s top-ranked T20I batter, Abhishek Sharma, for a golden duck. Sharma, who entered the tournament with immense expectations after recently scoring 135 at this same venue, fell into a specific tactical trap designed by USA strategist Milind Kumar to neutralize his early aggression. The collapse intensified in the sixth over as medium pacer Shadley van Schalkwyk delivered a "devastating spell," claiming three wickets in a single over—removing Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube—to leave India at 46/4 within the powerplay.

India’s troubles continued as they slumped further to 77/6 by the 13th over. The hosts were already disadvantaged before the toss, as star pacer Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the match due to viral fever. Amidst the disarray, Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with composure before unleashing an aggressive assault in the death overs. The Indian skipper struck 10 fours and four sixes, including a 21-run barrage in the final over against Saurabh Netravalkar, to finish unbeaten on 84 off 49 balls.

The match carried significant emotional weight for the USA squad, which features several players with Indian roots, including Gujarat-born captain Monank Patel and Mumbai-born software engineer Saurabh Netravalkar. While USA's van Schalkwyk finished with figures of 4/25, Yadav’s lone stand provided the top-ranked Indian side a competitive total as they seek to become the first nation to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title and the first to win it on home soil.

Birthday Gold: Lollobrigida Shatters Record to Secure Italy’s First Victory in Milan

MILANO ICE PARK – Speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida celebrated her 35th birthday in historic fashion on Saturday, capturing Italy’s first gold medal of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Competing in the women’s 3000 meters, Lollobrigida set a new Olympic record with a time of 3:54.28, surpassing the previous mark set by Dutch skater Irene Schouten in 2022 by more than two seconds.

The victory marks a milestone for the host nation, as Lollobrigida is now the first Italian woman ever to win an Olympic gold medal in speed skating. Racing in a heat alongside Canada's Valérie Maltais, Lollobrigida initially trailed at the first checkpoint before a powerful surge on the final lap brought the home crowd to its feet. Following her finish, the emotional champion was seen covering her eyes, waiting anxiously as the final competitors completed their runs.

The podium was completed by Norway’s Ragne Wiklund, who took silver (3:56.54), and Canada’s Valérie Maltais, who earned bronze (3:56.93). For Wiklund, the achievement ended a long drought, marking Norway’s first women’s Olympic speed skating podium since 1980. Maltais, a former short track specialist, celebrated her first individual Olympic medal across either discipline. Reigning world champion Joy Beune of the Netherlands finished in fourth place.

Lollobrigida, a four-time Olympian from Frascati and the great-niece of actress Gina Lollobrigida, entered these Games looking to improve upon the silver and bronze medals she won in Beijing. Now a mother to a two-year-old son, she had recently signaled her top form by winning the 5000m at the 2025 World Single Distances Championships.

The speed skating action is set to continue Sunday at the Milano Ice Park, a temporary venue at the Fiera Milano exhibition center, with the men's 5000m competition.

No comments

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
© https://www.globalnewsdiscover.com/ all rights reserved