The gold in the biathlon in Milan-Cortina also protagonist at the Festival is told: “In Anterselva in 2022 I came 93rd, then last year’s crisis. I settled my score. In 4 years I will challenge the French at their home”
Ecstasy Vittozzi. The first Olympic gold in biathlon given to Italy, the finish as standard bearer, the Sanremo Festival, Verissimo in tears: Lisa is in a bubble of happiness while the return to the World Cup in Finland in Kontiolahti, starting on Thursday, already looms. She saw the darkness, risked retirement, found herself again, triumphed at the Games in Italy. This is how the Friulian story is told.
Lisa, did you also say thank you to the music?
“I like it a lot, because throughout my life it has always played a role. I have always followed the Festival and that stage has a certain effect on me. I have quite particular tastes: Marracash is my favourite. And on the Sanremo stage I met Achille Lauro…”.
She did the real show in Anterselva. On the golden day she arrived miming a ballet.
“I’m superstitious, but this time I didn’t have any rituals. I went a little out of my way. For the mixed relay, however, I listened to music for the first time before the race. Usually I never do it because it makes me think too much. But that Sunday I listened to it because I knew what awaited me with all that cheering, I didn’t want to be distracted by emotions. The silver relay was the most difficult race. For the gold I did that dance because it came naturally to me. Then I made the classic move repeated throughout the season: it was mistaken for a bow, but in reality it was a phoenix.”
Like Brignone, Lollobrigida and Fontana, she too tells a story of resilience and recovery. Lisa has almost reached the abyss.
“Yes, we have a story behind these golds. Each one has its own path, characterized by many difficulties and sharing it with them is very beautiful.”
In 2022 in Anterselva at the World Cup she ranked 93rd. How did your life turn around?
“I was going through a very difficult period, I didn’t look at the rankings, at the Games I was aware that I had a score to settle with Antholz. I was ready.”
Lows and highs: how do you live with extreme contrasts?
“Winning an Olympic gold medal at home has a different weight, it has double value, being the first Italian is a source of great pride, unexpected. I enjoy this moment, always trying to be myself. I have never changed over the years with success and I won’t do it now but I certainly enjoy everything.”
Also because she really suffered a lot, especially in 2025 from that back pain that gave her no respite.
“When you’re in those situations, you hope that they won’t happen to you again, but I think that all things happen for a reason. I was sure that something beautiful would come from the difficulties, so for the future I hope that it won’t happen again, but I always know how to deal with things. Now I hope I can just smile.”
He was able to manage and overcome personal problems and face an Olympics at home.
“A goal that started from afar: the path I have taken has improved my life. I met myself by discovering another Lisa. In my story I hope to have contributed to helping someone. When you are in a vortex, you need to stop and examine your conscience. Manage the pressures, the fears… I beat myself: the problem was me, my discomfort not influenced by my adversaries. I proved that Lisa could do it. I’m proud of myself.”
Now what do you have planned: holidays, maybe a wedding?
“Definitely a holiday. After the world gold medal and the World Cup I took a break to stay in a cabin, with only the sounds of nature. On holiday I only look for peace.”
“A tattoo, even if my partner Marco will not agree. But every important moment of my life, positive or negative, I have tattooed.”
With her model physique will she now go on the catwalk?
“I’m shy about parading in front of too many people.”
Where will his biathlon go?
“I hope we see more on TV.”
Is there a special compliment that you appreciated most?
“The race wasn’t even over when Alberto Tomba had already written to me: great! My mental coach and all the people who saw me reach the finish line wrote me beautiful words.”
My problems in 2025? I think all things happen for a reason. I was sure that something beautiful would be born from difficulties”
And his mother’s tears, really special?
“It was super emotional to have her there, on the most important day. I think she cried all day, she saw me in the most difficult moment.”
What did you feel as a standard-bearer in Verona?
“I enjoyed it too much, it was a new and unimaginable experience. An honor. Every moment of the ceremony was beautiful.”
There are those who fear that after Dorothea Wierer she too will retire: she has won everything, will she try to find the motivation to beat the French at home in 2030?
“It could be an objective. We have always fought in recent years against the French, athletes to beat: 4 years is a long time but time passes quickly and never say never. Everyone is worried that I will retire, it won’t happen. I want to enjoy at least another year…”.
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