Italy's Olympic Surge: A Tale of Investment and National Pride
As a dual citizen of Canada and Italy, the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics have offered a mix of joy and disappointment. Italy has dazzled with its performance, while Canada has struggled to match expectations. By Tuesday, Italy had secured 23 medals, including eight gold, four silver, and 11 bronze, placing it second only to Norway in the medal standings. In contrast, Canada managed 11 medals, with just two golds, highlighting a stark contrast in Olympic success.
Italy's Electrifying Performance
After a slow start, Italy ignited with a series of podium finishes that captivated the nation. The standout was Federica Brignone, dubbed the "Queen of Cortina" or "the Tiger," who clinched two gold medals in giant slalom and super-G events. Her victories were particularly remarkable given her recovery from a severe knee injury in April, which required extensive surgery. The celebration peaked when the Italian air force's Frecce Tricolori squadron performed a flyover during her medal ceremony, attended by President Sergio Mattarella, symbolizing national pride.
Canada, meanwhile, faced challenges in Alpine skiing and figure skating, with modest results in speed skating and notable golds in freestyle skiing from Mikaël Kingsbury and Megan Oldham. This performance marks a decline from the 2022 Beijing Games, where Canada won 26 medals, including four golds, ranking 11th overall, while Italy had 17 medals, with two golds, placing 13th.
The Home Advantage Debate
Italy's resurgence in 2026 has sparked discussions about the home-country advantage. Alpine Canada CEO Therese Brisson noted that Italy's success has been a highlight of the Games. While national pride can boost athlete morale, especially in a global context where countries like Italy seek to make an international impact, the physical benefits are also significant. Italian athletes benefited from familiarity with venues in Cortina and Bormio, many reused from previous events like the 1956 Winter Olympics, saving costs and providing a competitive edge.
However, skepticism remains about this theory. If home advantage were decisive, why did Italy achieve only 11 medals, with five golds, in the 2006 Turin Olympics? This suggests other factors are at play beyond mere location.
Investment as the Key Driver
A more compelling explanation for Italy's success lies in substantial investment in athletes and infrastructure. Inspired by Canada's "Own the Podium" program, which transformed Canada's performance after gold-less host games in 1976 and 1988, Italy launched various initiatives. These programs provided veteran athletes like Brignone with enhanced training and newcomers with top-tier coaching and equipment, alongside infrastructure upgrades.
Approximately 3.5 billion euros were allocated for these efforts, combining regional, private, and national funding. Athletes also gained from increased Olympic Solidarity Funding from the International Olympic Committee. Additionally, Italy offered lucrative bonuses, with gold medals earning over US$200,000, silver about half, and bronze around US$70,000—significant sums in Italy that incentivize peak performance.
In contrast, Canada's federal funding has stagnated at about $250 million annually since 2005, spread thinner as new sports emerge. This has impacted events like slalom and giant slalom, where Canada last medaled in 1976.
Conclusion: Money and Momentum
Italy's Olympic triumph is a testament to strategic investment and the boost of home advantage. While national pride played a role, the real catalyst was financial commitment, delivering results that have positioned Italy as a Winter Games powerhouse. As the Games continue, this analysis underscores the importance of sustained support for athletic excellence.
