Italy’s Andrea Giovannini Channels Steph Curry in Speedskating Gold Medal Celebration
MILAN, Italy — Italy’s men’s speedskating team secured a thrilling gold medal victory over Team USA in the team pursuit event at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Tuesday. The celebration took a memorable turn when Andrea Giovannini, one of Italy’s star skaters, mimicked NBA superstar Stephen Curry’s iconic “go to sleep” gesture, a taunt Curry famously used during the 2024 Summer Olympics basketball final.
Giovannini and his teammates powered through the ice with precision and determination, ultimately controlling the final lap to seal their triumph. As he crossed the finish line, Giovannini skated exuberantly around the rink, flashing the now-famous Curry taunt, a nod to the basketball legend’s clutch performance against France two years prior. The gesture symbolized not only victory but also “cold blood,” as Giovannini described in an interview with the New York Post.
“The last lap, we were in control,” Giovannini said. “And I was just waiting for that finish line to emulate Steph. It’s emblematic of having cold blood.” The Italian athlete revealed that the celebration was premeditated with his teammates days before the final race, and he was worried he might forget the move in the heat of competition.
This moment resonated beyond the rink, highlighting the intersection of sports cultures and the global reach of Olympic moments. Curry’s “go to sleep” taunt became a defining image of the 2024 Summer Games, broadcast worldwide and celebrated for its flair and confidence. Giovannini’s adoption of the gesture at the Winter Olympics in Milan underscores the enduring influence of such iconic sports moments.
The victory was a significant achievement for Italy, who triumphed over a strong Team USA squad in a fiercely contested event. Team USA, despite their best efforts, settled for silver in the men’s team pursuit, a result that came amid a mixed bag of performances from American athletes across various winter sports disciplines. Notably, American figure skater Alysa Liu has been advancing in her quest for an individual medal, as reported by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, offering hope for the U.S. delegation.
The men’s team pursuit speedskating event demands not only individual speed but also seamless coordination and strategy among teammates. Italy’s gold medal run demonstrated mastery in all these aspects, culminating in a victory that electrified the home crowd and the international audience.
As the Winter Olympics continue, moments like Giovannini’s celebration remind fans of the passion and personality athletes bring to the global stage. The U.S. team, meanwhile, looks to regroup and build on their performances in upcoming events, with eyes set on future podium finishes.
For more on Olympic speedskating results and athlete profiles, visit the official International Olympic Committee website. Updates on Team USA’s ongoing efforts can be found through the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
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