Quick Read
- Dutch speed skater Joy Beune finished fourth in the women’s 3000m long track event.
- Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida won gold, setting a new Olympic record of 3:54.28.
- Norway’s Ragne Wiklund secured silver, and Canada’s Valérie Maltais took bronze.
- Beune was considered a “Dutch favorite” but missed the podium.
- The event took place on Day 1 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
MILANO CORTINA (Azat TV) – Dutch speed skating sensation Joy Beune finished fourth in the highly anticipated women’s 3000m long track event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Saturday, missing out on a medal despite being widely considered a strong contender for the podium. The race saw a thrilling performance from Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida, who clinched the gold medal on home ice, setting a new Olympic record and making history for her nation.
Lollobrigida Claims Historic Gold
The women’s 3000m long track speed skating event on Day 1 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games culminated in a dramatic finish, with Italian veteran Francesca Lollobrigida securing gold with an Olympic record time of 3 minutes 54.28 seconds. Competing in her fourth Winter Olympics on her 35th birthday, Lollobrigida’s victory marked Italy’s first gold medal of the Games and a personal maiden Olympic gold, surpassing the previous record set by Irene Schouten in Beijing four years prior, as reported by TMV.in. Her performance was a highlight of the opening day, celebrated by a home crowd.
Joy Beune Finishes Fourth in Competitive Field
Joy Beune, a prominent figure in Dutch speed skating and identified as a “Dutch favorite” heading into the event, competed in the final heat alongside Canada’s Isabelle Weidemann. Despite high expectations, Beune ultimately placed fourth, just outside the medal positions. This outcome was a significant moment for the Dutch team, as one of their anticipated medalists did not reach the podium in a discipline where they often excel.
The bronze medal was secured by Canada’s Valérie Maltais, who achieved her first individual Olympic medal in her fifth Games, finishing with a time of 3:56.93. Norway’s Ragne Wiklund earned the silver medal, clocking 3:56.54. Canada’s Isabelle Weidemann, a three-time medalist from Beijing 2022, finished fifth in the race with a time of 3:59.24, demonstrating remarkable consistency and focus throughout her performance, according to Creative Learning Guild.
The Race Dynamics and Olympic Records
The women’s 3000m event was characterized by intense competition and record-breaking speed. Lollobrigida’s dominant performance not only secured her the gold but also etched her name into Olympic history with a new record. The race showcased a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, all pushing the limits of their endurance and skill on the Olympic oval. The final heats, featuring top contenders like Beune and Weidemann, provided a fitting climax to the day’s speed skating action.
The outcome of the women’s 3000m speed skating event underscores the unpredictable nature of Olympic competition, where even favored athletes can face challenges in securing a podium finish amidst fierce international talent and the immense pressure of the Games.