Portuguese skater Francisca Henriques won the silver medal in the inline speed skating marathon at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy. The athlete was unable to surpass Italian Melissa Gatti, who won by beating Henriques in the final sprint of the race.
The speed skating marathon made its debut at the Mediterranean Games, making this 2026 edition historic for the sport. Francisca Henriques, by securing second place, achieved Portugal's first silver medal in this competition.
Melissa Gatti, the Italian skater, outperformed the Portuguese athlete in the fight for victory, showing greater speed in the decisive section of the race. This defeat in the final sprint cost Henriques the title that could have been historic for Portugal.
