Federico Pellegrino and Elia Barp Secure Bronze for Italy in Cross-Country Skiing Team Sprint

In a thrilling display of teamwork and determination, Federico Pellegrino and Elia Barp clinched the bronze medal in the team sprint event of cross-country skiing, marking Italy's second medal in this sport at the ongoing Olympics. The duo had previously contributed to Italy's success with a bronze in the men's relay, showcasing their consistency and strength in the competition. With this victory, Italy now boasts a total of 25 medals at these Olympics, positioning the nation second in the medal tally, which includes nine golds, four silvers, and twelve bronzes. Federico Pellegrino, who is 35 years old, is competing in his last Olympics, bringing a wealth of experience to the team. His illustrious career includes seven medals at the World Championships, highlighted by a gold in the sprint event at Lahti in 2017, and now four Olympic medals, including today's bronze. Looking ahead to the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, Pellegrino’s earlier achievements include two silver medals from the Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022 Olympics in the individual sprint category. On the other hand, his teammate Elia Barp is a rising star at just 23 years old. Over the last couple of years, he has demonstrated remarkable prowess, particularly in team events. Last season, however, brought a significant challenge as he suffered from cardiac arrhythmia that required surgery. Despite this setback, Barp made a strong comeback this season, achieving his best individual result with a fourth-place finish in the 10 km at the Oberhof stage, proving his resilience and dedication to the sport. The team sprint event consists of pairs of athletes, each completing three segments of 15 kilometers. The competition was fierce, with Norway emerging victorious. Their team, comprising Einar Hedegart and the legendary Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, who won his fifth gold medal at these Olympics, further solidified his legacy, now standing as the second athlete ever to accumulate 10 gold medals—following in the illustrious footsteps of American swimmer Michael Phelps, who holds the record with 28 golds. Pellegrino and Barp's hard-fought bronze is not just a testament to their skills but also a celebration of Italian perseverance in the face of challenges. As athletes from Italy continue to shine in various events, their stories inspire a nation and reflect the spirit of the Olympics. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2