[Olympics] Two-time champion Fontana criticizes home skating federation "No congratulations"

"Uncomfortable with Having Her Husband as a Coach"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Arianna Fontana of Italy, who won the gold medal in the women's 500m short track at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, fiercely criticized her national skating federation. On the 7th, Fontana finished the women's 500m short track final at the Beijing Capital Indoor Stadium in China with the fastest time of 42.488 seconds. She clenched her fist tightly and shook it, roaring like a beast.

At the post-race press conference, Fontana said, "I usually don't shout, but the yell that came out then was an act to express the anger inside me." She revealed, "Some people in the Italian skating federation did not want me to be at the Beijing Winter Olympics. They didn't even offer congratulations just moments ago," and added, "They disapprove of me having my husband as my coach." She emphasized, "Today, I proved that my husband is an excellent coach. It was the best choice." Fontana's husband, Anthony Lobello, is a former short track skater with Olympic experience.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Fontana is a 32-year-old veteran. Since the 2006 Torino Games, she has competed in five consecutive Olympics, earning a record ten medals in short track (2 gold, 3 silver, 5 bronze). Both gold medals were won in her main event, the 500m. Following her victory at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, she demonstrated her enduring prowess by achieving back-to-back titles. However, she does not seem to be aiming for a three-peat. She firmly stated, "I don't want to go through this process again."

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