‘I didn’t choose between a family and being a mom’ — speed skater celebrates gold with baby in arms

The Winter Olympics 2026 have seen a lot of talent but even more sportsmanship, discipline, and empowerment. Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida bagged the gold medal in the women’s speed skating 3000 metres (1.86 miles), reported The Spun. She arrived at her press conference with her medal and her son, Tommaso, according to The New York Post. In the adorable clip shared by news personality Collin Ruggs on X, on February 8, the athlete mom was at the press conference when her little boy kept interrupting her with unhinged love. Her gestures for Tommaso and her inspiring perspective of participating and winning alongside being a mom have us applauding. 

In a post shared by @olympics, it was revealed that Tommaso was in the stands cheering his mum on as she gave her best. When she learned that she won, she went first to her 2-and-a-half-year-old to give him an embrace, reported WXPI News. To her, that moment mattered. Though she couldn’t get him to the podium, he tagged along for the interview. While she was still speaking, Tommaso seemed to want all of her undivided attention and kept touching her face and calling out to her. “Mama, stop, ssh,” he adorably said, as he tried to turn her face towards him.

But that’s the point, she enjoyed juggling the two roles. As she explained how she felt to mark the win as the first Italian woman to win gold in speed skating, she added that doing it as a mother was even more profound. “Aside from doing this for me, I did it for him, so one day he will be proud of me,” Lollobrigida said. She added that she wanted Tommaso to not just be proud of her medal, but of the journey they embarked on. “This was to show the people that you can be a mom and come back to be much stronger,” the athlete mom added. 

Lollobrigida revealed in a post on Instagram that her journey has been filled with challenges, as it is for many athletes. She also mentioned how she was dealing with an illness and was skeptical of making it this season. However, backed by family and loved ones, she chose not to give up. “I’m really proud of myself for not giving up this season,” she said. She pointed out that one of the most important wins was her feeling happy and truly having fun while she was out there. A 2024 study revealed that balancing motherhood and a career is beyond challenging. Women have to go through physical, mental, emotional, and societal obstacles before making a decision. 

The study combined and compared several sources and revealed that for many women, motherhood led to a loss of control over their careers. Apart from barriers to leadership, moms also faced the hefty tasks of balancing the roles of parenting and working. Additionally, they also felt a sense of guilt and pressure when it came to choosing between a child and a job. For many, the option of a balance between the two is not accessible. The study also noted that moms pay a “motherhood penalty,” where they are treated as incompetent, less capable, or committed, just because they are pregnant or already mothers to children.

Lollobrigida proudly and loudly broke these barriers. Her enthusiastic performance revealed that you can choose both and prioritize them well. She is nothing short of a super mom, and her passion and resilience have inspired many to chase their truest selves while embracing parenthood. @luisa_121198 wrote, “These are the stories and moments that mean everything.” @eva.schnell.77 remarked, “Her race was simply OUTSTANDING. And so is her smile and whole attitude!”

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