Riccardo Lorello achieved a remarkable feat at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics by winning a bronze medal in the men's 5000 meters speed skating event. Competing from the third heat and not regarded as a favorite, Lorello delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with a time of 6:09.22, which nearly broke the Olympic record. His accomplishment came as a thrilling surprise, especially as he was skating in front of a home crowd in Rho, Italy.

The race featured a strong competition, notably from his teammate Davide Ghiotto, who also delivered a commendable performance but finished slightly behind Lorello with a time of 6:09.57. However, it was Norwegian skater Sander Eitrem who captured the gold medal with a stunning new Olympic record of 6:03.95, showcasing a powerful finish in the last 1000 meters. The silver medal was claimed by Czech skater Metodej Jilek, finishing at +2.53 seconds behind Eitrem, while Lorello managed to hold off challenges from other competitors to secure his place on the podium.

This victory marks a significant moment for Italy at the Winter Olympics, as it reflects the growing prowess of Italian athletes in winter sports and adds to the country's medal tally, which now stands at four for the day and seven overall during the games. Lorello's achievement not only highlights his personal triumph but also inspires a new generation of speed skaters in Italy, further enriching the country's Olympic legacy.