Arianna Fontana has made history by winning a silver medal in the 500 meters short track, thereby matching the long-standing Olympic record held by legendary fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti. With this achievement, Fontana has secured her place among the elite of Italian sports, reaching 13 Olympic medals—something only Mangiarotti had accomplished for the past 66 years. Mangiarotti, who competed between 1936 and 1960, won a total of 13 medals—including 6 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze—during five Olympic Games, highlighting his dominance in fencing.

Edoardo Mangiarotti was born in Renate in 1919 and came from a family steeped in fencing tradition, with his father having competed for Italy at the 1908 London Olympics. His legacy is characterized not only by extraordinary achievements on the fencing mats but also by his influential role in the growth and popularity of the sport in Italy. Mangiarotti's record stood as a benchmark for all aspiring athletes, particularly in fencing, and the announcement of Fontana's achievement has reignited interest in his storied career.

Fontana, who expressed satisfaction with her accomplishment, has yet to comment in-depth about the record equality, stating she is not focused on it at the moment. However, the proximity of her achievement to that of Mangiarotti’s rich history reflects the ongoing impact of both athletes on Italian sports. Their parallel paths and achievements underline the significance of legacy in competitive sports.