Enrico Fabris delighted the whole of Italy by claiming his country’s first OIympic medal in skating. He went on to win three medals in total including two gold.
Skating policeman
Enrico Fabris started skating at the age of six in his local club in Roana. When he was 22 years old he joined the police force and became a member of Fiamme Oro (Golden Flames), the famous state police sports group.
Improving performances
At the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games, Fabris came 16th in the 5000m and 26th in the 1500m. But he was improving rapidly and went on to win at the Innsbruck Winter University Games in 2005.
First Olympic medal
In 2006, Fabris marked his arrival as a major force with his first victories in the World Cup. Later, at the 2006 Turin Winter Games, Fabris claimed an unexpected bronze medal in the 5000m event. This bronze medal was Italy’s first Olympic medal in this discipline.
Double gold
Five days later, the Olympic Games’ first ever team pursuit event was held. Led by Fabris, the Italian relay team overcame the Dutch, who were hot favourites, and went on to beat the Canadians to win gold in front of their home crowd. Fabris completed a memorable Olympic Games by winning his second gold in the 1500m, his favourite event.
