Flora Tabanelli, an 18-year-old athlete from Modena, Italy, made history at the recent Olympics by securing the first Olympic medal for Italy in the Big Air discipline of freestyle skiing. Her victory represents a significant milestone in Italian sports, as it is the first time the nation has achieved a podium finish in this competitive arena. Despite facing a knee injury leading up to the event, Tabanelli's performance exceeded expectations and brought immense joy to her supporters and the entire country.

Born on November 20, 2007, Flora has been involved in freestyle skiing from a young age, training alongside her brother Miro, who shares her passion for the sport. She specializes in Big Air and slopestyle events, and under the guidance of her coach Valentino Mori, she has become a prominent figure in Italy's skiing community. Tabanelli is seen as a prodigy in national acrobatic skiing and has consistently demonstrated her talent on international stages.

Following her Olympic success, Flora Tabanelli has become Italy's most successful athlete ever in freestyle skiing. In the years leading up to her Olympic medal, she won back-to-back junior world titles in Big Air in 2023 and 2024 and also clinched a gold medal at the X Games held in Aspen. With her groundbreaking achievements, she has inspired many in the realm of sports, especially aspiring athletes in Italy, showcasing the potential for success in disciplines that were previously less recognized in the country.