Preparing for the Winter Olympics| Arianna Fontana "I'm back now"

Ariana Fontana, a famous Italian women's short track speed skater and "blonde angel", can't remember how many races she won or participated in, but her memories of the Winter Olympics are still clear.

In the first short track speed skating World Cup of the 2021/22 season, Fontana finished second in the 500 meters, which is the distance she is best at. Ten years ago, 21-year-old Fontana won the title for the first time on an elite circuit in Saguenay, Canada. This time, at the venues of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, she became the oldest short-track speed skater in history to win a World Cup medal.

Starting his debut at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, the "Blonde Angel" has won medals at all four Winter Olympics in which he has participated. At the Turin Winter Olympics, 15 years and 314 days old, Fontana became the youngest Winter Olympic medalist in Italy.

After winning eight medals, she was tied with Apollo Ono and Victor Ann to become the short track athlete with the most medals at the Winter Olympics.

Fontana has successfully competed in elite short track competitions for 16 seasons. She believes that the sport has changed a lot in the last decade or so: "The way and the rules of skating have changed. These changes will make short track speed skating develop rapidly, and those of us who have been engaged in the sport for a long time must strive to adapt. Luckily, I did. Although after so many years, there will always be new young athletes to compete. But I've been working hard and thanks to my team, they've been helping me. ”

"In my mind, every Winter Olympics I attend is unique. They were all great and left me with great memories. Fontana, who is actively preparing for the Beijing Winter Olympics, said bluntly when talking about his upcoming fifth Winter Olympics: "I originally thought that the Sochi Winter Olympics would be my last Winter Olympics, I never thought that I would participate in this (Beijing) Winter Olympics, and still maintain good form, but I am now back." ”

In Fontana's view, it was an inspiration to feel better and better despite the passage of time. Asked what would happen in Beijing, she said her goal remained the same – to reach the final. "We're here, everything is ready!"

For more information, please pay attention to the Winter Olympics.

Courtesy of Visual China

Source International Olympic Committee

Edited by Kang Dian

Process Editor Liu Weili