Arianna Fontana won a third gold and 12th medal overall in an Olympic career spanning six Games over two decades when she helped hosts Italy win the short track mixed team relay on Tuesday.

Italy got the gold ahead of Canada and Belgium, with Fontana joined by Elisa Confortola, Thomas Nadalini and Pietro Sighel on the team.

Fontana gave Italy the lead with six laps left and Sighel crossed the line backwards to set off the celebrations.

Long-time leaders China had to settle for fourth.

Fontana made her Olympic debut at the age of 15 at the last Games in Italy 2006 in Turin where she got a relay bronze.

She continued to become the most successful short track athlete at the Games with now 12 medals, three gold, four silver and five bronze. She has medalled at all her six Games.