by InTrieste
Italy won the silver medal in the mixed relay biathlon at the Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina on Saturday, a result that drew praise from national and regional officials and highlighted the performance of Lisa Vittozzi, one of the team’s standout athletes.
Massimiliano Fedriga, the president of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, said the result was a source of pride not only for the region but for Italy as a whole. In comments released after the race, Mr. Fedriga pointed to Ms. Vittozzi’s contribution as emblematic of the team’s success, citing her technical precision and composure under pressure.
Ms. Vittozzi, who hails from Friuli Venezia Giulia, has been a central figure in Italian biathlon in recent years. Her performance in the mixed relay underscored the growing presence of athletes from northeastern Italy on the Olympic stage, particularly in winter sports traditionally dominated by alpine regions.
The silver medal adds to Italy’s early medal tally at the Milan–Cortina Games and continues a strong showing for the biathlon team, which has steadily gained international recognition. The mixed relay, combining male and female athletes, is seen as a test of depth and coordination as much as individual skill.
Mr. Fedriga also extended encouragement to the rest of the Italian delegation competing at the Games, offering particular support to athletes from Friuli Venezia Giulia as the Olympic competitions continue.
The Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, hosted across multiple venues in northern Italy, have placed renewed attention on regional athletic programs and their role in developing competitors capable of performing at the highest international level.
