The Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo became the stage for an emotional farewell to Italy's most outstanding winter sports athletes. Biathletes Dorothea Wierer and Lukas Hofer, speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida, and cross-country skier Federico Pellegrino ended their careers. The events were accompanied by touching moments, including silver medalist Federico Tomasoni's dedication to his tragically deceased partner, Matilde Lorenzi.

End of Careers for Great Champions

Legendary figures of Italian sport, including Dorothea Wierer and Federico Pellegrino, officially ended their sporting careers after the Games.

Tomasoni's Touching Dedication

Silver medalist Federico Tomasoni dedicated his success to his tragically deceased partner, Matilde Lorenzi, which moved all of Italy.

Celebration in Sappada

Over a thousand people took part in welcoming medalists Lisa Vittozzi and Daniele Graza in their hometowns.

Brignone's Lack of Gold

Federica Brignone ended her key starts without the coveted gold, considered a bittersweet end to her Olympic campaign.

The conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games brought a symbolic end to the careers of the "phenomenon generation," which had dominated the world stage for years. Dorothea Wierer and Federico Pellegrino officially announced their transition to sporting retirement, sparking a wave of commentary about the end of an era in Italian sport. For many fans, their final performances were worth more than medals made of the most precious metal, representing the culmination of years of dedication and passion. Pellegrino emphasized in his statements that the time had now come to "start living an ordinary life" and understand its daily mechanisms. The 2026 Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo were the first major winter event in Italy since the 2006 Turin Games, giving the farewells of local champions special historical significance. Alongside the farewells, Italian fans followed successes in technical events. Federico Tomasoni won a silver medal in ski cross, dedicating his success to his partner, Matilde Lorenzi, who died tragically in a training accident. The athlete's father, Adolfo Lorenzi, emotionally confessed that he felt his daughter's presence on the slope during Federico's run. Meanwhile, in Sappada, thousands celebrated the successes of biathlete Lisa Vittozzi and cross-country skier Daniele Graza, showing that Italian winter sports already have worthy successors to the old guard. „Ora c’è da vivere la vita, per capire come funziona.” (Now it's time to live life, to understand how it works.) — Federico Pellegrino The Olympic competitions in Italy proved that sport is not just about statistics, but above all about human dramas and triumphs of will. Federica Brignone, despite lacking a gold medal in her final start, solidified her position as one of the most decorated skiers in the country's history. The successes of younger athletes, such as Tomasoni or Deromedis, give hope that the gap left by the departure of Wierer and Lollobrigida will be quickly filled, although experts predict a difficult period of transformation for the Italian national teams. „Siamo su una nuvola. Mia figlia ha sciato con Federico.” (We are on cloud nine. My daughter skied with Federico.) — Adolfo Lorenzi Fan Sentiment Regarding Farewells to Legends: Emotion and Respect: 85, Hope for Successors: 40, Sadness over Departure: 65, Pride in Achievements: 95

Mentioned People

  • Dorothea Wierer — Decorated Italian biathlete ending her sporting career.
  • Federico Pellegrino — Outstanding Italian cross-country skier, sprint specialist.
  • Federico Tomasoni — Italian skier, Olympic silver medalist in ski cross.
  • Matilde Lorenzi — Tragically deceased Italian alpine skier.