Article by Luminița Paul – Published on Sunday, 22 February 2026 23:13 / Updated on Sunday, 22 February 2026 23:14
Italian Federico Tomasoni (28 years old) won the silver medal in ski cross, behind his compatriot Simone Deromedis, and then paid tribute to his girlfriend, who died in 2024 in a tragic accident.
A dedication, just one, a sun on Federico Tomasoni's helmet – for Matilda Lorenzithe partner of the Italian athlete, who lost her life in an accident suffered on October 28, 2024 during a training session.
For Tomasoni, the medal won at the Milan Cortina Olympic Games, after another Italian, Simone Deromedismeans much more than a heavy disc with silver highlights. He fulfilled his dream of honoring Matilde's memory. The young woman was not even 20 years old when she suffered an extremely hard fall at the beginning of the previous season while preparing on the slopes of Val Senales in South Tyrol.
Suffered a violent blow to the head on the ice-covered surface of the Grawant G1 slope, the first impact being on the face. She was airlifted to a hospital in Bolzano, but died a short time later despite the efforts of doctors to save her. Federico was by her side until the last moment, he then posted a picture from the hospital holding her hand, adding the explanation: “You are the most beautiful thing that life could give me, I love you, little star“.
The speed trial specialist was considered a promising athlete after finishing 6th in the downhill and 8th in the super-G at the 2023 World Junior Championships in Chatel.
Matilde Lorenzi Photo: Instagram
The sun drawn on the helmet is not chosen by chance, but is the symbol of the foundation dedicated to her, Matildina4Safetyestablished to promote safety on the ski slopes.
After crossing the finish line in silver position at the photo finish, 2 centimeters ahead of Switzerland's Alex Fiva, Federico looked up to the sky and blew a kiss. The excitement continued on the podium with the medal around his neck as he looked up.
Federico Tomasoni: “Fate brings you to certain life situations”
“It was an unforgettable day. To win this medal with a friend, a colleague is a dream,” Tomasoni said when he arrived at Casa Italia in Livigno, where Italian medalists have been celebrated throughout the Games.
Then he talked about the tragic accident that changed his life as well. “You realize that fate brings you to certain life situations. Without giving up, or giving up, sooner or later you end up dreaming high. Like today. I began to realize that I had accomplished something extraordinary, especially considering what I had been through. Everyone wants to see these sports and life stories“, he said, quoted by La Milano.
Federico Tomasoni and the helmet with the sun written on it at the Milan Cortina Olympics Photo: Guliver/GettyImages
Matilde's father, Adolfo, told Corriere della Sera that Federico sent him a message before the competition: “I will ski for her.” He then added that “we still haven't stopped crying after watching the race. It's an overwhelming emotion, hard to describe.”
The bond between the skier and Matilde's relatives was never broken. “He is part of the family. Both he and his parents are extraordinary people,” Adolfo said. The two had been together for a few months, but their relationship had become strong, meaningful. “He was the first boyfriend he introduced to us. They were skiing together. Our Mati was special, so she could only choose a special boy“, concluded Adolfo Lorenzi.
