CORTINA d’AMPEZZO, Italy — Before the women’s giant slalom medal ceremony, rejoicing fans unfurled a giant tricolore flag in the grandstand at Olympia delle Tofane on Sunday afternoon. Framed by the jagged Dolomites and beneath a piercing blue sky, green, white and red reigned. In a nation that has been known to produce some art, this was quite a compelling visual.
Alpine skier Federica Brignone, perhaps the most inspiring star in this ongoing Italian Renaissance, stood on the top step of the medal podium, pumping her fists. And for a record-setting eighth time, “Il Canto degli Italiani” was heard.
