by InTrieste
Italy achieved a milestone in winter sports on Saturday at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, as Lisa Vittozzi won gold in the women’s 10-kilometer biathlon pursuit — the first individual Olympic title in the history of Italian biathlon.
Vittozzi, 31, who was born and raised in the Alpine region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, delivered a flawless performance at the shooting range, hitting all 20 targets. In a sport where missed shots can swiftly unravel a race, her perfect marksmanship proved decisive.
The victory carries particular significance for Friuli Venezia Giulia, the northeastern region bordering Austria and Slovenia. Known for its mountainous terrain and strong winter sports culture, the region has long cultivated cross-country skiers and biathletes, but an individual Olympic gold in biathlon had remained out of reach.
Vittozzi’s triumph also marked a personal resurgence. After stepping away from competition in recent seasons to regain physical and mental form, she returned to the Olympic stage with one of the most composed performances of her career.
Earlier in the day, Italy added another medal with bronze in the men’s 4×7.5-kilometer cross-country relay. The team — Davide Graz, also from Friuli Venezia Giulia, alongside Elia Barp, Martino Carollo and veteran Federico Pellegrino — finished behind Norway and France.
Graz, who hails from the mountain community of Sappada in the province of Udine, played a key role in securing the podium finish. That two athletes from the same small Alpine area contributed to Italy’s medal haul on the same day underscored the depth of winter sports development in the region.
As the Milan Cortina Games continue, Vittozzi’s gold stands as a landmark achievement not only for Italian biathlon but also for Friuli Venezia Giulia — a region whose athletes have now claimed a place at the center of Olympic history.
