For Federico Pellegrino, the relay bronze is “as good as gold.” The veteran gets his long-awaited Olympic moment on home snow — and on Saturday, his career comes to an end.

It has been 15 years since he competed in his first championship. That was in Oslo in 2011. His first Olympics came in Sochi in 2014. On Sunday afternoon, he claimed his first championship medal in a relay.

“The proudest day of my life,” Federico Pellegrino said live after securing relay bronze.

“This is a goal we’ve worked toward for four years. We believed in it, and we delivered. It’s incredible to experience this.”

Tears flowed during the medal ceremony. The Italian veteran says that the home Olympics have been a fairytale.

“The feeling has been absolutely fantastic throughout these Olympics,” Pellegrino said.

“I was the flag bearer at the opening ceremony, and that gave me so much energy. It has just grown day by day throughout the championship. I’m enjoying watching all the great performances from the Italian women and men. It’s a dream.”

Pellegrino secured the relay bronze after skiing the anchor leg for Italy. The other team members were Davide Graz, Elia Barp, and Martino Carollo.

Oldest medalist in history

Last year, Pellegrino won silver in the sprint at the World Championships in Trondheim. At 34, he became the oldest medalist ever at a championship. Now he has broken his own record.

Two races remain before his career ends: the team sprint on Wednesday and the 50km on Saturday. Then he will retire.

Also Read: Pellegrino’s final season: Italy’s sprint icon eyes Olympic legacy

FACTS 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games – Cross-Country Skiing

• When: Saturday 7, to Sunday, February 22, 2026
• Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
• Where: Val di Fiemme, Italy
• What: Milano-Cortina 2026

Saturday, February 7: 20km Skiathlon C/F Women (More information can be found HERE)

• 13:00 CET: 20km Skiathlon C/F, Women

Sunday, February 8: 20km Skiathlon C/F Men (More information can be found HERE)

• 12:30 CET: 20km Skiathlon C/F, Men

Tuesday, February 10: Sprint C Women and Men (More information can be found HERE)

• 9:15 CET: Sprint Quali C, Women
• 9:55 CET: Sprint Quali C, Men
• 11:45 CET: Sprint Final C, Women
• 12:15 CET: Sprint Final C, Men

Thursday, February 12: 10km Interval Start F Women (More information can be found HERE)

• 13:00 CET: 10km Interval F, Women

Friday, February 13: 10km Interval Start F Men (More information can be found HERE)

• 11:45 CET: 10km Interval F, Men

Saturday, February 14: 4×7.5km Relay C/F Women (More information can be found HERE)

• 12:00 CET: 4×7.5km Relay C/F, Women

Sunday, February 15: 4×7.5km Relay C/F Men (More information can be found HERE)

• 12:00 CET: 4×7.5km Relay C/F, Men

Wednesday, February 18: Team Sprint Women and Men (More information can be found HERE)

• 9:45 CET: Team Sprint F Quali, Women
• 9:45 CET: Team Sprint F Quali, Men
• 11:45 CET: Team Sprint F, Women
• 11:45 CET: Team Sprint F, Men

Saturday, February 21: 50km Mass Start C Men (More information can be found HERE)

• 11:00 CET: 50km Mass Start C, Men

Sunday, February 22: 50km Mass Start C Women (More information can be found HERE)

• 10:00 CET: 50km Mass Start C, Women

The complete program for the Winter Olympic Games can be found HERE

Val di Fiemme, a classic Nordic skiing venue, promises thrilling racing on courses steeped in Olympic history. Fans around the World will have the chance to cheer on athletes across all distances, from explosive sprints to grueling marathons.

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