For first time ever, men eligible to compete in artistic swimming at the Olympic Games

• PARIS 2024

The International Olympic Committee has given its approval for World Aquatics to allow men to participate in the Artistic Swimming competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (Artistic Swimming was formerly known as synchronised swimming until 2017).

Men will now be eligible to compete in the team event. There are eight competitors in each team. The new rules will permit a maximum of two men to compete in each team at the Olympic Games. Ten teams are expected to compete. 

Artistic Swimming has been in the Olympic Games since 1984, and this will be the first time that men have been eligible to be included in a team at the Games. Men have been allowed to compete at the FINA World Aquatics Championships since 2015.

This is a day of celebration for those who have campaigned for the inclusion of men in the sport at the Olympic Games and who have pioneered men’s participation. 

Bill May (USA) has been one of the leading voices in lobbying for this change. The first-ever male World Champion, in the inaugural mixed duet technical event at the FINA World Aquatics Championships in 2015, he is now a coach. 

"The inclusion of men in Olympic Artistic Swimming was once considered the impossible dream. This proves that we should all dream big. The male athletes have endured. Now, through their perseverance and the help and support of so many, all athletes may stand alongside each other equally, reaching for Olympic glory".

Giorgio Minisini (Italy) is one of the leading men currently competing in the sport. He was World Champion at the FINA World Aquatics Championships in the mixed duet technical routine in 2017 and 2022. 

"This announcement marks a milestone in Artistic Swimming history. Our sport's evolution towards inclusivity is going on fast forward, and this decision from IOC and World Aquatics will help us become an example for the whole Olympic movement.  As one of the most popular sports in the Games, we are ready to share the Olympic motto around the world louder than ever: 'Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together'”. 

“Aquatics sports are universal and men have proven themselves to be excellent artistic swimmers. I look forward to seeing this new dimension of Artistic Swimming being shared with the world in Paris. The inclusion of men in Artistic Swimming is a great credit to all those who have worked for many years to make this happen” said World Aquatics President Captain Husain Al-Musallam.  

Celebration at Pinzolo, Trentino wins the first Trofeo CONI Winter. Piedmont to host the 2023 edition

• CONI

Trentino has won the first edition of the Trofeo CONI Winter 2022. The Committee, directed by Paola Mora, takes advantage of the “field factor” to inscribe its name into the roll of honour of the winter edition of Italy’s most important multi-sport Under 14 event, hosted in Trentino itself.

The youngsters of the home committee got the better of Piedmont, beating them only by the number of podium disciplines (11 against 9) after having collected 30 points apiece. Lombardy claimed third spot with 28 points (full ranking here). Announcing the final table at the closing ceremony held in Pinzolo’s Piazza Carera, was Cecilia d'Angelo, CONI’s Head of Territory and Promotion.

“It was a great first edition of the Trofeo CONI Winter” acknowledged CONI Vice-President Claudia Giordani. “Thanks to you girls and boys who were the protagonists of this splendid experience. This is one of CONI’s most important projects because it gives value to the presence of the Committee throughout Italy. It is a truly winning formula. My wish is that you will be able to treasure this experience and also be able to view our Olympics with a greater sense of respect and desire for the five Olympic rings and the tricolour. Thanks to Trentino and all its authorities, to Cecilia D'Angelo and Paola Mora, and thanks to all the Committee presidents”.

“Have a good trip home. I wish to thank all the sports associations, the presidents of the FISG and FISI, the autonomous province of Trento and all the volunteers. Happy Trofeo CONI and Happy Christmas holidays” said Paola Mora during the closing ceremony to the youngsters who were about to return home.

The Trophy saw 800 athletes competing, representing 17 regional delegations, who competed against each other in the various disciplines held in eight locations across Trentino.

“On Friday we had a great opening ceremony” outlined the Province of Trento’s sports councillor Roberto Failoni. “We were all tense at an event that we were participating in for the first time. And with great pride we can say 'mission accomplished'. Thanks to everyone. Thank you boys and girls. We hope you had a great time. Thank you also to CONI who believed in us and gave us this opportunity. I truly think we did not disappoint”.

“Mission accomplished indeed” said the Mayor of Pinzolo, Michele Cereghini. “Three days full of thrills and satisfaction. I would like to thank Paola Mora, and CONI and Vice-President Claudia Giordani. Sport is a combination of many things, I’d like to thank all the committees, the boys and girls and their families. At this event, sport came out the winner”.

At the end of the Ceremony there was the handover to Piedmont, with the CONI flag and the torch passing from the hands of the president of CONI Trento, Paola Mora, to that of CONI Piedmont president, Stefano Mossino. The 2023 challenge is underway. 

Canoe slalom road to Paris 2024 revealed

• OLYMPIC GAMES

The International Olympic Committee has approved the final canoe slalom qualification pathway for the Paris 2024 Games, which will feature the debut of the exciting new kayak cross event.

There will be a total of 82 quota places available for Paris – 41 men and 41 women – the same number for the Tokyo Olympic canoe slalom competition.

In Paris a total of six athletes from one country will be allowed to qualify – one each in men’s and women’s kayak, men’s and women’s canoe and men’s and women’s kayak cross. While only one athlete from each country will be allowed to contest the kayak and canoe events, two athletes will be permitted to compete in the kayak cross.

The approved pathway spells out how athlete quota places will be allocated through the Global and Continental Qualification Competitions, and also sets out the qualification timeline. 

The global qualifier will be the 2023 ICF World Championships in Lee Valley, London, in September, where15 quotas in both men’s and women’s kayak, and 12 in men’s and women’s canoe, will be on offer.

The ICF will organise a kayak cross global qualification competition in Prague in 2024 where three Olympic quotas in both the men’s and women’s kayak cross will be allocated. Only athletes who have not yet qualified a quota place in and canoe or kayak event will be entitled to enter.

Each country will be allowed to enter three athletes per gender in the kayak cross global qualifier, and the highest ranked eligible countries in each gender will be awarded an Olympic ticket.

One Olympic quota position in each of the men’s and women’s canoe and kayak events at the continental qualifiers will be on offer, but there will be no kayak cross quotas available.

An athlete can only earn a quota for one event for their country. France will be allocated one athlete quota place for each gender, provisionally in the kayak events.

The qualification pathway details where and when each of the continental qualifying competitions will be held, although some dates and venues are still to be confirmed.

“Official approval of the qualification pathway for Paris 2024 signals the firing of the starter’s gun for countries to start to prepare their campaign for the next Olympic Games” ICF Canoe Slalom Committee chair, Jean-Michel Prono, said.

“The addition of kayak cross adds an exciting element for the next Olympics, and will give countries an opportunity to showcase an additional elite athlete on the world stage. In many ways, qualifying for the Olympics is just as exciting and sometimes just as difficult as competing at the Olympics, so we are looking forward to what should be a fascinating build-up to Paris 2024”.

Abodi and Malagò meet the Minister for Sport and President of the Chinese Olympic Committee Gao Zhidan. Memorandum of understanding signed

• AT CONI

The Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, and the President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, together with the Secretary General, Carlo Mornati, met today at the Foro Italico with the Chinese Minister of Sport and President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, Gao Zhidan.

The foreign delegation included, among others, the NOC Vice President and General Director of Winter Sports, Ni Huizhong, the Vice President and Acting General Secretary, Wu Jian, as well as the Acting Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Italy, Zheng Xuan.

During the meeting, the collaborative relationship between the two Olympic Committees was consolidated – starting from the know-how gained during the recent Beijing 2022 experience – through the signing of a specific, functional memorandum of understanding for the organisation of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games and aimed at the development of winter sports and synergic cooperation in the field of athletic preparation.

Ticketing process for the Olympic Games to begin globally on 1 December 2022

• PARIS 2024

The first phase of the ticketing process for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will open on 1 December giving fans around the world their first opportunity to secure tickets for the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Games.
Those interested in experiencing the Games in person will be able to begin their journey to Paris by signing up to the draw on https://tickets.paris2024.org between 1 December and 31 January for the first sale of tickets.

Tickets will be available for all Olympic venues (except for surfing and the Opening Ceremony) with fans able to enjoy world-class sport set against the backdrop of France and Paris’ world-famous landmarks from breaking at the Place de la Concorde to beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower Stadium. Fans will be able to personalise their Games experience through “Make Your Games” packs ensuring their time in Paris and in other venues around France is fully customised.

A single, centralised digital platform

For the first time in Olympic history, tickets will be sold exclusively on a single, centralised and digital platform which will be open to all fans at the same time.
Through this platform, nearly 10 million tickets will be available for the Olympic Games, with one million of these priced at just €24 and almost half priced at €50 or less for the general public. Paris 2024 is committed to accessible and affordable Games, and these ticket prices are available across the 32 sports on the Olympic Games programme that are for sale (with the exception of surfing which will not be sold). For as little as €24 fans could be watching athletics in the Stade de France, archery at Les Invalides and equestrian events at Versailles.
“We really wish to make Paris 2024 the first Games Wide Open, and we are fully dedicated to bringing this concept to life,” said Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024. “We are so looking forward to the prospect of Paris sharing its iconic locations and venues with fans, in order for them to feel the emotion and magical atmosphere that full stadiums will provide. It is not just the athletes who are getting ready for the Games, it’s the spectators too, and their journey starts now!”

The introduction of “Make Your Games” packs

For this first phase of ticket sales, fans will be able to purchase “Make Your Games” packs of tickets to curate their own ideal Olympic experience.
Each “Make Your Games” pack of tickets, includes three sessions assembled according to the purchaser’s preferences. To create a pack an individual will be able to:
Choose three sessions from all the sports on the programme, subject to availability and choice.
Select up to six tickets for each session.
Packs are designed to be flexible to suit the purchasers’ needs, whether they are attending on their own, with friends or as a family.
A maximum number of 30 tickets will be allowed per account in all Olympic sales phases combined.

The introduction of a draw

From 1 December 2022 to 31 January 2023, people around the world will be able to register for the packs draw. Those who are successful in the draw will be allocated 48-hour timeslots between 15 February and 15 March 2023 to purchase their tickets. The use of a draw to allocate purchasing timeslots is a new feature for the Games that ensures a friendlier user experience for those selected.

Fans will be able to participate in a draw for the first two phases of the ticketing process which are broken down into:

Phase 1 – Pack sales
1 December 2022 – 31 January 2023 18H CET: Register for your account through the official ticketing website https://tickets.paris2024.org and enter the draw for “Make Your Games” packs
13 February – 15 March 2023: If successful in the draw, access the ticketing website during your allocated purchase timeslot and buy your “Make Your Games” packs.

Phase 2 – Single ticket sales
March – May 2023: Apply for a draw for single ticket sales
May 2023: Single ticket sales open

Hospitality packages versus Ticketing

Tickets allow fans to attend one or more events during the Olympic Games and are sold stand-alone. They are only available through the official P24 ticketing website.
Hospitality offers standard or customised packages that include guaranteed tickets, access to on-site hospitality venues, as well as travel, accommodation or other activities. There are only available through On Location and its subdistributors network.

Tickets for the Paralympic Games Paris 2024

In the autumn of 2023, more than three million tickets will go on sale for the Paralympic Games.
In recognition of Visa's long-standing partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Visa is the Official Way to Pay.

Strength training seminar at CPO Acqua Acetosa, Mornati: “A useful meeting for exchanging ideas and growth”

• INSTITUTE OF SPORTS SCIENCE

The Aula Magna of the “Giulio Onesti” Olympic Preparation Centre at the Acqua Acetosa in Rome hosted “Specificity in Strength Training”, a new seminar organised by the CONI Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, aimed at technical directors and federal technical staff.

CONI Secretary General Carlo Mornati opened the meeting: “In this meeting we will deal with the topic of strength training contextualised in specific areas, from water to land to combat sports. We don’t want to impose anything from above: these seminars serve to exchange ideas, because it is always good to share in order to create a stimulus and return home with some ideas upon which to reflect and analyse. After all, strength is a common element in any sport, even if it is applied in different ways. It is interesting to see how it can be used to the best effect. We also have a novelty: we have succeeded in setting out a new Olympic training project that we had been working on for a year. We wanted to activate a process for selecting and training coaches that would have IOC compliance. We have succeeded: we are going to have this Olympic training programme and we are going to organise it on a platform so that everyone can participate and be involved. I believe we will be operational from January with something brand new, another moment of reflection to grow and improve”.

The Head of CONI’s Institute of Medicine and Sport Science Giampiero Pastore then introduced the speakers, first of all launching a speech by Sandro Donati, Training Methodology Coordinator, CONI Institute of Sport Science: “To frame the term “strength” we must start from the concept of sports training. Any exercise implies functional aspects of strength with the participation of coordination skills. An exercise can never be an end in itself, but must be functional to the objective: everything is linked to a unified vision. It is essential to learn the movements, exercises and inputs given by a coach which, if correctly understood, become the so-called 'muscle memory'”. Next Nicola Maffiuletti, Director of the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory Clinic Schulthess in Zurich, addressed the topic of specificity or variety in strength training: “In reality, we are moving more towards specificity, with a focus on biomechanical variables. The classical approach has limitations, there is a need for an alternative approach that gives more space to the neural and cognitive part and seeks “neuro-mechanical” specificity. The aim is to improve activation and motivation, maximising effectiveness and adherence, and varying the neural and cognitive stimuli”.

Julio Velasco, currently Technical Director of the FIPAV Youth Sector, also gave a valuable speech on the problems facing volleyball players: “Thinking about our sport, the specificities are primarily the type of strength and neuromuscular characteristics of the players. The problem arises when training slow players. One hypothesis could be the search for maximum strength to activate recruitment and immediately move on to synchronisation with power at high and low loads.” Closing the morning session was Marco Lancissi, Head of Athletic Preparation of the FIN National Swimming Teams: “The variables to be taken into account when swimming fast are propulsive efficiency, mechanical power, i.e. the power “discharged” into the water, and finally drag and everything concerning the power of the water. Reducing drag, the speed of swimming increases. The aim is to increase energy power, mechanical power and propulsive efficiency and reduce drag by trying to find the most hydrodynamic position possible and offering the least resistance as the body moves forward. Of great importance is the balance between mobility and strength, which is indispensable to improve the technical economy of the swim and also its efficiency”.

Gennaro Boccia, Researcher and Lecturer in Training Theory at the University of Turin, FIDAL Research Technician and FIP National Trainer, spoke about the role of movement control in strength training, while Pietro Roca, Head Coach of the FIPE Olympic Weightlifting National Team, emphasised that one should not “make an analysis to develop an athlete’s strength to the maximum, but try to allow them to exercise their strength without dispersing it. We are interested in enabling the athlete not to accumulate an unnecessary level of fatigue. We have to understand their weaknesses and try to bring out their strengths”.

“Our players,” observed Paolo Barbero, Physical Trainer at Torino Calcio, "must be developed as athletes and their genetic background must be maximised correctly and efficiently. Talent must be supported by strength training, one of the prerequisites for winning performances. Our guidelines are primarily: train movements, keep analytical exercises to a minimum and alternate vertical-horizontal and lateral force vector exercises. Our primary goal is to improve the player’s athleticism". Alberto Di Mario, Physical Trainer, Consultant of the CONI Institute of Sport Science and Lecturer at the University of Rome “Foro Italico” and Tor Vergata, focused on combat sports, where “the evaluations of the technical action are very complex, extremely fine and limited to the circumstances of the discipline. We have to identify the characteristics of athletes and adopt those methodologies aimed at their improvement. In the past there was a very simple calendar while today there are about 15 to 20 competitions a year in which maximum performance is required. The objective is always to lead the athlete to improvement also by trying to limit certain negative factors that may arise in the work to achieve explosive or rapid strength”. The final speech was by Carlo Varalda, Physical Trainer of the FISG National Short Track Team: “A trainer must first and foremost not do any harm to the athletes. It is essential to optimise and personalise as much as possible: that certainly means working harder, but to do this task you must want what is good for the athlete. Studies have shown us that working with velocity-based training allows you to obtain results with lower work volumes.  I believe it must be used with the aim of producing strength, accompanied by its correct modulation and optimisation.

President Mattarella receives world champion Bagnaia and a Ducati delegation at the Quirinale

• MOTORCYCLING

The celebrations of the MotoGP World Championship title victory continue with a highly prestigious appointment. Two days after the CONI Collare d’Oro awards ceremony the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, today received Francesco Bagnaia and the Ducati Corse team at the Quirinale.

The meeting was also attended by Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse General Manager, Luigi Dall'Igna, Ducati Corse Sporting Director, Paolo Ciabatti, CONI President, Giovanni Malagò, FMI President, Giovanni Copioli, the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi and the President of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Stefano Bonaccini.

The invitation from the President of the Republic, which arrived on the very day of the victory, is a source of great pride for Ducati as well as confirmation of how historic the goal achieved is for both the company and all Italy.

The title clinched by Bagnaia on a Ducati is the expression of the perfect all-Italian union between the talent and passion of the rider with the skills and technology that Ducati Corse engineers have been able to transfer onto the Desmosedici GP22.

Francesco Bagnaia, 2022 MotoGP World Champion and official Ducati Lenovo Team rider: “I would like to thank the President of the Republic for wishing to receive us at the Quirinale, which for us is a real honour. This year we were able to achieve an extraordinary result; one we are very proud of: we won the MotoGP World Championship with an Italian rider on an Italian bike, 50 years after Giacomo Agostini’s last win in MotoGP on an MV Agusta. This result is the outcome of many years of hard work, both by myself and the entire team. Together we have managed to improve our bike to the point of making it the benchmark in the championship and we should be proud of that. After crossing the finish line in Valencia a fortnight ago, I finished the final metres proudly bearing our flag, aware that I had shown the whole world that the talent and ingenuity of us Italians is second to none”.

The President of the Italian Olympic Committee, Giovanni Malagò: “Some people might have thought that the season had run its course, and I had said that we still had a few cards left to play. Pinning hopes on an achievement and producing an extraordinary comeback meant that a rider was able to follow in the footsteps of Giacomo Agostini 50 years later. That rider is Francesco Bagnaia. The President of the Republic has, as usual, been extraordinarily praiseworthy and touching towards the world of sport,” added Malagò “He said that as long as these victories and results keep coming, the Quirinale will always be happy to welcome them and to celebrate those who make our country great, in this case all-Italian motorbikes, teams and riders, not only in MotoGp but also in Superbike. This, in my opinion, is the best kind of push to help bring further victories and a return to the Quirinale. Today is a day of celebration for the entire system”.

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO: “It is a real honour to be received today at the Quirinale by the President of the Republic, whom I would like to thank sincerely for the invitation. Ducati is a global company with strong roots in our country, specifically in Emilia-Romagna’s Motor Valley where our motorbikes are conceived, designed and developed. As a demonstration of the high level reached in Italian higher education and the technological expertise of our country, most Ducati engineers come from Italian universities. We are proud ambassadors of Made in Italy and we honour this responsibility every day by placing a little tricolour on every Ducati motorcycle sold around the world. Being here today makes us realise how much this success is not just Ducati’s, but belongs to the whole of Italy. Together with Francesco Bagnaia we have gained much more than a victory, we have written a page in motorsport history and have demonstrated how Italian skills and technology are a world excellence. Thanks to the FMI and CONI for organising this truly exciting day”.

Giovanni Copioli, FMI President: “I wish to thank the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, for the sensitivity and great attention he has never failed to pay to the world of sport and motorcycling. Less than a year after our visit to the Quirinale for the celebration of the careers of Valentino Rossi and Antonio Cairoli, we were once again received by the highest office of the state to honour the MotoGP World Champion title won by Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati, a manufacturer to whom all my compliments go, especially to such persons as Claudio Domenicali, Luigi Dall'Igna, Paolo Ciabatti and Davide Tardozzi. 50 years on from Giacomo Agostini’s triumph on his MV Agusta, an Italian rider has once again won the World Championship on an Italian bike. An extraordinary result, the fruit of teamwork and the rider’s huge talent.  But talent alone is not enough: Pecco has shown professionalism, intelligence and a spirit of sacrifice, determination, patience, but above all courage. His story is a model for all youngsters who want to approach our sport and, in this regard, I can only express great satisfaction, because the objective of a sports federation is specifically to allow its young athletes to express their abilities at the highest level”.

The Riders' Title won by Bagnaia is added to the Constructors' Title and the Teams' Title for the Ducati Lenovo Team already won by Ducati during the championship, establishing a hat-trick of world titles that saw Ducati dominate the category.

Test for Marcell Jacobs: “Fired up for the new season. Paris 2024? I can't wait”

• AT THE "GIULIO ONESTI" CPO

Marcell Jacobs is preparing for an important new season. Under the supervision of technicians from CONI’s Institute of Medicine and Sport Science, the two-time Olympic champion underwent some tests to analyse the rhythmic nature of sprinting at the Paolo Rosi Stadium track and, inside the laboratory, carried out specific tests to assess muscle strength at the Acqua Acetosa Olympic Preparation Centre (CPO) in Rome.

“These are fundamental tests,” says the Italian sprinter “for me and for my team led by my coach Paolo Camossi. It is important to understand which limb I push hardest with and where I can improve: we have to work on details to be able to go even harder”.

Jacobs gave an all-round analysis: “I feel really good. This is the third week of preparation for next season. I feel the fatigue but I am already looking forward to the races. Goals? I want to do well at the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul at the beginning of March. Then there will be the World Outdoor Championships: it’s the only medal that I’m missing; that is my goal of the year”.

This year, physical problems have limited appearances of the star who triumphed at the Tokyo Games: “As soon as we feel good, athletes like me want to compete. In the new season I want to be in top form when it matters most. We have already proven several times what we are capable of. Paris 2024? That will be another huge goal. I will arrive there as a two-time reigning Olympic champion and I don't know quite what to expect. I can’t wait”.

The 2022 Collari d'Oro are awarded in Rome. Malagò: a record-breaking year for Italian sport

• CONI

A record-breaking 2022. Never in history had Italian sport won so much at Olympic, world and European level. Reappearing on the podium amongst the most successful countries after a glorious 2021, with 40 medals clinched at the Tokyo Olympics, was anything but a foregone conclusion, but the Italian triumphs went way beyond what had been expected. Italian sport’s well-deserved celebration was held in the Palazzo H’s Palestra Monumentale, inside the Foro Italico University, venue of the Collari d'Oro award ceremony. On stage were CONI President Giovanni Malagò, Italian Paralympic Committee President Luca Pancalli and the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, who bestowed on the recipients the highest honour in Italian sport.

In opening, CONI President Giovanni Malagò celebrated the successes of 2022 which got underway with the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, a satisfaction-filled edition for Italy with 17 medals, the second best result in history after Lillehammer 1994 when the Italian squad won 20 podiums. “I am pleased” admitted Malagò “and I wish to thank Professor Pigozzi, as here today we are celebrating the highest honour in Italian sport. The reason is simple: we would not have been able to fit into any other CONI venue because we have never won so many titles. This is an outright record for the Italian National Olympic Committee. Every morning I wake up and check Italy’s position compared to the other Olympic Committees. In 2021 we finished in second place, behind the United States of America, in the table of medals won at the Olympic Games, World Championships and equivalent events, as well as European events. At the time I said it would be very difficult to replicate, however we are still on the podium. Australia overtook us after the last European titles but I think winning a medal in Oceania is easier than in Europe. This new record fills us with pride. It is thanks to the athletes, the coaches, the federations, the institutions and the civil and military groups”. 

Malagò paid a special tribute to the young Apulian swimmer Benedetta Pilato, world and European champion, who was awarded the role of “godmother and standard-bearer of Italy at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto”. The CONI President finished by recalling the importance of recognising sports clubs: “Our foundations, the backbone of the Italian system. It is unthinkable to disconnect the base from the top, because we are all part of the same family, linked by a single thread of history”. 

“There is an organ in our body that perfectly indicates the state of our health: our heart. Mine today signals strong emotions” said Minister Abodi. “It is a great pleasure to represent the Government” he continued “even if it is unusual for me to hear myself called Minister. After all, we are people; it is essential to keep our feet on the ground and let the facts speak for themselves. And more than facts, what counts is respect. A year ago, Giovanni Malagò and Luca Pancalli presented me with the Collare d'Oro on behalf of the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo: it is as if a day has gone by, but life has given me the opportunity of a new role. Today, out of ceremony, I would like to give an ideal Collare d'Oro to the family of volunteers, people who ensure that sport is what it is. And another ideal recognition goes to the more than 100,000 amateur sports associations and clubs without which sport would not be a moral, social and civil phenomenon, the architecture on which we try to build the quality of our lives. Today we also celebrate defeat, because victory is not achieved at any cost, but it is the way it is achieved that counts. And even defeat can turn into success. Mine are not and must not remain the words of a day, but a daily commitment that I want to continue in my new role”. 

CIP president Luca Pancalli then recalled the outstanding achievements of the Paralympic movement in 2022: “Once again we are here together to celebrate our champions, the wonderful family of Italian sport united by passion, by love; two sides of the same coin. We are aware of what we have done so far and we know what needs to be done towards Paris 2024 but also for the Milano-Cortina event. We are always looking ahead with the aim of showing how Italian sport can form part of the country’s public policies”.

In closing, Minister Abodi expressed “the hope that today’s spirit will accompany us not only on the special days, but also on the normal days. I strongly believe in the harmony and respect for roles, values that I hope will characterise my time in office. On behalf of the government, there will be a greater commitment to listening: we will be able to demonstrate the ability to work as a team not only during the celebrations”.

COLLARE D’ORO

Arianna Fontana (Short Track, Campionessa Olimpica 500 m), Stefania Constantini e Amos Mosaner (Curling, Campioni Olimpici Doppio Misto), Benedetta Pilato (Nuoto, Campionessa Mondiale 100 m Rana), Gregorio Paltrinieri (Nuoto, Campione Mondiale 1500 m Stile Libero e 10 km Fondo), Thomas Ceccon (Nuoto, Campione e Primatista Mondiale 100 m Dorso e Staffetta 4x100 Mista Maschile), Nicolò Martinenghi (Nuoto, Campione Mondiale 100 m Rana e 4x100 m Mista Maschile), Federico Burdisso (Nuoto, Campione Mondiale 4x100 m Mista Maschile), Alessandro Miressi (Nuoto, Campione Mondiale 4x100 m Mista Maschile), Piero Codia (Nuoto, Campione Mondiale 4x100 m Mista Maschile), Lorenzo Zazzeri (Nuoto, Campione Mondiale 4x100 m Mista Maschile), Arianna Errigo (Scherma, Campionessa Mondiale Fioretto Femminile a Squadre), Alice Volpi (Scherma, Campionessa Mondiale Fioretto Femminile a Squadre), Martina Favaretto (Scherma, Campionessa Mondiale Fioretto Femminile a Squadre), Francesca Palumbo (Scherma, Campionessa Mondiale Fioretto Femminile a Squadre), Daniele Garozzo (Scherma, Campione Mondiale Fioretto Maschile a Squadre), Tommaso Marini (Scherma, Campione Mondiale Fioretto Maschile a Squadre), Alessio Foconi (Scherma, Campione Mondiale Fioretto Maschile a Squadre), Guillaume Bianchi (Scherma, Campione Mondiale Fioretto Maschile a Squadre), Elena Micheli (Pentathlon Moderno, Campionessa Mondiale Individuale), Ruggero Tita e Caterina Marianna Banti (Vela, Campioni Mondiali Nacra 17), Marta Maggetti (Vela, Campionessa Mondiale iQFOiL), Simone Anzani (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Fabio Balaso (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Mattia Bottolo (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Gianluca Galassi (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Simone Giannelli (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Daniele Lavia (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Alessandro Michieletto (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Leandro Ausibio Mosca (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Giulio Pinali (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Francesco Recine (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Yuri Romanò (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Roberto Russo (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Riccardo Sbertoli (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Leonardo Scanferla (Pallavolo, Campione Mondiale), Sofia Raffaeli (Ginnastica Ritmica, Campionessa Mondiale Concorso Generale Individuale), Diana Bacosi (Tiro a Volo, Campionessa Mondiale Skeet Individuale), Filippo Ganna (Ciclismo su pista, Primatista Mondiale dell’Ora), Elisa Balsamo (Ciclismo su pista, Campionessa Mondiale Inseguimento a Squadre Femminile), Martina Fidanza (Ciclismo su pista, Campionessa Mondiale Inseguimento a Squadre Femminile), Martina Alzini (Ciclismo su pista, Campionessa Mondiale Inseguimento a Squadre Femminile), Chiara Consonni (Ciclismo su pista, Campionessa Mondiale Inseguimento a Squadre Femminile), Vittoria Guazzini (Ciclismo su pista, Campionessa Mondiale Inseguimento a Squadre Femminile), Sonny Colbrelli (Vincitore della Parigi-Roubaix 2021, assente lo scorso anno), Andrea Verona (EnduroGP, Campione Mondiale E1), Francesco Bagnaia (MotoGP, Campione Mondiale).

PALMA D’ORO AL MERITO TECNICO

Anthony Lobello (Short Track, Allenatore di Arianna Fontana), Claudio Pescia(Curling, Direttore Tecnico Nazionale Doppio Misto), Violetta Caldart (Curling, Allenatrice Nazionale Doppio Misto), Vito D’Onghia (Nuoto, Allenatore di Benedetta Pilato), Fabrizio Antonelli (Nuoto, Allenatore di Gregorio Paltrinieri), Alberto Burlina(Nuoto, Allenatore di Thomas Ceccon), Marco Giovanni Pedoja (Nuoto, Allenatore di Nicolò Martinenghi), Simone Palombi (Nuoto, Allenatore di Federico Burdisso), Antonio Satta (Nuoto, Allenatore di Alessandro Miressi), Matteo Bianchi (Nuoto, Allenatore di Piero Codia), Paolo Palchetti (Nuoto, Allenatore di Lorenzo Zazzeri), Luca Simoncelli (Scherma, Allenatore di Arianna Errigo), Giovanna Trillini (Scherma, Allenatrice di Alice Volpi), Marco Vannini (Scherma, Allenatore di Martina Favaretto), Maria Elena Proietti Mosca (Scherma, Allenatrice di Tommaso Marini), Filippo Romagnoli (Scherma, Allenatore di Alessio Foconi), Marco Ramacci (Scherma, Allenatore di Guillaume Bianchi), Andrea Valentini (Pentathlon Moderno, Direttore Tecnico), Luigi Filipponi (Pentathlon Moderno, Allenatore di Elena Micheli), Riccardo Belli Dell’Isca (Vela, Allenatore di Marta Maggetti), Andrea Benelli (Tiro a Volo, Direttore Tecnico).

PARALYMPIC SPORTS

COLLARE D’ORO

Giacomo Bertagnolli e la guida Andrea Ravelli (Sci Alpino, Campioni Paralimpici Super Combinata VI e Slalom VI), Gaia Maragno (Nuoto, Campionessa Deaflympics 50 m Rana), Sara Maragno (Nuoto, Campionessa Deaflympics 50 m Farfalla), Federico Tamborrino (Nuoto, Campione Deaflympics 800 m Stile Libero), Matteo Masetti (Atletica, Campione Deaflympics Lancio del Giavellotto), Vincenza Petrilli(Para Archery, Campionessa Mondiale Olimpico Open Femminile Individuale e Open Mixed Team), Stefano Travisani (Para Archery, Campionessa Mondiale Open Mixed Team), Alberto Amodeo (Nuoto, Campione Mondiale 400 m Stile Libero S8), Stefano Raimondi (Nuoto, Campione Mondiale 100 m Rana SB9, 200 m Misti Individuale SM10, Staffetta Mista Stile Libero 4x100 m 34 punti), Francesco Bocciardo (Nuoto, Campione Mondiale 50 m Stile Libero S5, 200 m Stile Libero S5, 100 m Stile Libero S5), Efrem Morelli (Nuoto, Campione Mondiale 50 m Rana SB3), Antonio Fantin(Nuoto, Campione Mondiale 100 m Stile Libero S6 e Staffetta Mista Stile Libero 4x100 m 34 punti), Xenia Francesca Palazzo (Nuoto, Campionessa Mondiale 100 m Dorso S8, 200 m Misti Individuale SM8, Staffetta Mista Stile Libero 4x100 m 34 punti), Simone Barlaam (Nuoto, Campione Mondiale 100 m Farfalla, 50 m e 400 m Stile Libero e 100 m Dorso S9, Staffetta Mista Stile Libero 4x100 m 34 punti), Monica Boggioni (Nuoto, Campionessa Mondiale 200 m Misti Individuali SM5), Giulia Terzi(Nuoto, Campionessa Mondiale Staffetta Mista Stile Libero 4x100 m 34 punti), Riccardo Menciotti (Nuoto, Campione Mondiale Staffetta Mista Stile Libero 4x100 m 34 punti), Alessia Scortechini (Nuoto, Campionessa Mondiale Staffetta Mista Stile Libero 4x100 m 34 punti), Sara Morganti (Equitazione, Campionessa Mondiale Free Style, Grado I), Paolo Cecchetto (Handbike, Campione Mondiale Prova a Cronometro Categoria H3), Fabrizio Cornegliani (Handbike, Campione Mondiale Prova a Cronometro Categoria H1), Giada Rossi (Tennis Tavolo, Campionessa Mondiale Doppio Femminile WD5), Michela Brunelli (Tennis Tavolo, Campionessa Mondiale Doppio Femminile WD5).

PALMA D’ORO AL MERITO TECNICO

Davide Gros (Sci Alpino, Responsabile Tecnico), Mauro Antonini (Nuoto, Responsabile Tecnico Deaflympics), Walter Biasin (Nuoto, Allenatore di Gaia e Sara Maragno), Ivan Sacchi (Nuoto, Allenatore di Federico Tamborrino), Stefano Mustè(Atletica, Responsabile Tecnico Deaflympics), Gianmario Castaldi (Atletica, Allenatore di Matteo Masetti).

COLLARI D'ORO SOCIETÀ SPORTIVE

ASSI Giglio Rosso A.S.D., Canottieri Padova A.S.D., U.S. Cremonese S.p.A., A.S.D. Ginnastica Pro Patria Bustese, Automobile Club Milano.

COLLARI D'ORO PERSONALITÀ

Stefano Domenicali, Ugo Claudio Matteoli, Fabio Pigozzi, Luciano Rossi, Antonio Urso.

STELLA D’ORO AL MERITO SPORTIVO

ITALPRESS - Agenzia di Stampa

PREMIO VINCITORE TROFEO CONI 2022

Comitato Regionale CONI Lazio

Paris 2024 reveals “Phryges” Olympic mascot

• OLYMPIC GAMES

With just over 600 days until the Olympic Games Paris 2024 begin, the official mascots have been revealed by the local Organising Committee. Called “The Phryges” [pronounced free-jes], the tribe of mascots are named after the iconic French hats. Their design is an evolution of this unique piece of cultural heritage which, throughout history, has symbolised freedom.

For Paris 2024, this new generation of Phryges will write history. Led by one Olympic and one Paralympic Phrygian, the tribe of mascots will be central to Paris 2024’s vision to change lives by leading a revolution through sport.

Their mission is to demonstrate to the world that sport can change everything and that it deserves to have a central role in society. The Phryges will strive to bring sport into everyday life – all sports, and every way of experiencing sport – whether through participation or as fans.

To mark the launch of the mascots, the Organising Committee announced that Phryges and other mascot merchandise can now be purchased both online and in stores. More information can be found on the Paris 2024 website.

Speaking about the launch, Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet said: “We wanted mascots that would embody our vision and be able to share it with the French people and the world. Rather than an animal, our mascots represent an ideal. The Phrygian cap is a symbol of liberty. Since it is familiar to us and appears on our stamps and the pediments of our town halls, it also represents French identity and spirit.” He continued: “As well as embodying our Games, our mascots will carry them forward, showcasing the ambition of the Games, which is truly revolutionary.”

The Phrygian cap

An international symbol of liberty that appears on many different emblems in North and South America, the Phrygian cap, also known as the “liberty cap”, has become one of the symbols of the French Republic.  Today, it represents a common reference point for French people: in art (as a metaphor for freedom), within French institutions, and even featuring on everyday objects such as coins and stamps.

More details about how the Phrygian caps were brought to life through these mascots, the design process and other influences in their creation can be found on the Paris 2024 website. The Olympic Games in 2024 will be held from 26 July until 11 August, while the Paralympic Games will take place between 28 August and 8 September.

(Photo Paris 2024)