OLYMPICS: Speed skating-Lorello hails Italian crowd as Olympic hosts shine on Sunday

MILAN – Italian fans played a key role in propelling their athletes to success at the Winter Olympics, speed skater Riccardo Lorello said after winning bronze in the 5,000 meters on Sunday. The hosts enjoyed a stellar day at the Milano Cortina Games, with Lorello’s medal marking the fourth of five won by Italy, bringing the country’s overall tally to eight.

The 23-year-old credited Italy’s success to the unique atmosphere created by home supporters while also acknowledging the efforts of his fellow athletes.

“Competing in Italy is something unique. The Italian crowd has done its job. I am really happy I contributed to this,” Lorello told reporters. “I am delighted to have crowned it, to have put the icing on the cake this evening. I am proud of all my Italian teammates in the different sports.”

A day after compatriot Francesca Lollobrigida won gold in the women’s 3,000 meters, Lorello was the first Italian to take the ice in the third pairing, quickly taking an early lead.

After waiting for the remaining seven pairs to skate, with top names including fellow Italian Davide Ghiotto unable to challenge him, the Milan native secured a podium spot behind Norway’s Sander Eitrem and the Czech Republic’s Metodej Jilek.

“Fortunately, the anti-doping test distracted me a little, but I suffered,” Lorello said about the long wait. “I started to realize when I saw Davide’s time, who is our benchmark for long distances, and that’s when I realized mine could be a competitive time.”

Lorello, who won silver at last month’s European Championships, said his season gained momentum after a slow start, making his Olympic medal even more satisfying.

“I started the season a little below par. From the very first World Cup competitions, unfortunately I started from group B,” he said. “I recovered in Calgary, where I qualified for these Olympics. And then the season just kept getting better and better. I was confident, I tried to give it my all today, and it paid off.” -Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in MilanEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters