Olympics-Speed skating-Canadian Maltais credits winner Lollobrigida for pushing her to podium

Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics - Speed Skating - Women's 3000m Victory Ceremony - Milano Speed Skating Stadium, Milan, Italy - February 07, 2026. Bronze medallist Valerie Maltais of Canada reacts on the podium during the victory ceremony. REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

MILAN, ‌Feb 7 (Reuters) - Canada's Valerie Maltais said being pushed ‌by Italian Francesca Lollobrigida helped her stay focused as ‌she skated to the podium in the women's 3,000 metres at the Milano Cortina Games on Saturday.

Maltais finished behind Lollobrigida, who set an Olympic ‍record in front of a home ‍crowd, and Norway’s Ragne Wiklund ‌in a race that unfolded as a time trial rather ‍than ​a direct duel.