The article explores the concept of 'wooden medals,' which represent fourth-place finishes that leave athletes just shy of the podium at the Olympics. In the context of the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan, the number of these disappointing finishes has dropped from 19 at the Paris 2024 Games to only 9, despite a significantly lower number of events and overall medals this time around. In particular, the article notes that this reduction reflects the challenges and competition levels in various sports disciplines.

Nonetheless, there is a silver lining for Italian athletes, with five of the 'wooden medal' finishers also winning actual medals. Arianna Fontana and Francesca Lollobrigida, both successful speed skaters, have won a total of five medals between them - Fontana secured three medals (one gold and two silvers), while Lollobrigida achieved a remarkable two golds. Their successes overshadow the quaternary finishes in events like the 1000 meters, illustrating that even in near misses, elite performance can coexist with triumph.

The article ultimately serves to highlight the emotional nuances faced by athletes in competitive sports, where the difference between a celebrated medal and a wooden one can deeply impact their experience. Through the juxtaposition of hard-earned medals against the backdrop of 'wooden' finishes, readers are invited to reflect on the pressures athletes navigate as they pursue Olympic glory.