Short track-Fontana becomes Italy's most decorated Olympian with relay silver

MILAN, Feb 18 : Arianna Fontana became her country's most decorated Olympian when she led Italy to silver behind South Korea in the women's 3,000 metres short track relay at the Winter Games on Wednesday.

It was the 14th Olympic medal of Fontana's career, eclipsing the record of fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti who won 13 medals between 1936 and 1960.

"It's something incredible. I still haven't found the right words to describe this moment and everything I'm feeling. I'm trying to take it all in, to stay present, to enjoy this medal with the girls, and maybe tomorrow, when I wake up, it will all really sink in," she told reporters.

Canada took the bronze. It was the first short track gold of the Games for South Korea, the most successful nation in the discipline at the Olympics.

PM MELONI CHEERED AT MILAN'S ICE SKATING ARENA

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was in the Milano Ice Skating Arena to witness Fontana make history.

"She told us she had watched the race and was cheering for us. She was thrilled and gave us so many compliments. We really appreciated it. She was genuinely very happy, and we even felt a bit embarrassed, but it was truly a special moment," said Elisa Confortola, one of the Italian team members.

"Meloni also took a photo with us," she added.

Many supporters came to Milan's ice skating arena to support the Italian team, and especially Fontana.

"It was lovely to watch her race after race, always with the same determination, which gives everyone an important lesson, a great source of inspiration," fan Sara Digesi said.

The way was cleared for Italy to take a medal when a Dutch skater fell midway through the race, effectively turning it into a three-team contest.

"I'm sad for them. We tried to stay concentrated,