Cortina's Curling Queen: Olympic Gold to Hometown Hero

Stefania Constantini, a 26-year-old Italian curler, is defending her Olympic gold medal in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the hometown where her journey began. Having won gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and the 2025 world championships, Constantini is a beloved figure in Cortina. She attended the local elementary school where her mother still teaches and honed her skills in the same arena now hosting the curling championship.

Constantini, known locally as 'Stefi,' has achieved significant success, including multiple European Championship medals, and now captains the national women's team. Her local fame is evident, with a pizza named in her honor at a town restaurant. Despite a recent controversy regarding a teammate substitution, which garnered significant local media attention, Constantini remains focused on promoting curling. She aims to inspire fans and foster greater interest in the sport within Italy, hoping her performances will significantly boost its popularity.

Her connection to Cortina is deep; she recalls meeting the person who introduced her to curling at age 8 near her childhood school. Her family remains a strong support system, with grandparents closely following her Olympic schedule and her grandmother knitting her warm apparel. Constantini's dedication is also reflected in her meticulous attention to details, such as keeping her nails at a specific length to not impede her performance, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the sport.