The Riccione Winter Italian Championships come to a close: Miressi soars to Paris, Razzetti sets record in the 400m medley

• SWIMMING

Alessandro Miressi was the protagonist of the final day of the Italian Winter Swimming Championships. The 25-year-old from Turin won the 100m freestyle in the Stadio del Nuoto in Riccione: A race time of 47.61 guaranteed him an individual pass for Paris 2024. The Italian, (photo by ANSA), had already secured a national spot for the Olympic Games in July as part of the 4x100m freestyle relay team at the World Championships in Fukuoka. However, the time recorded at the national event cements his individual participation in France in the summer. Alberto Razzetti (photo ANSA) will also be in the French capital. After qualifying in the 200m medley he booked a place in the 400m medley by triumphing in Riccione with a time of 4’09.29, a new Italian record. To recap, there are five swimmers who left the Championships with passes sealed for Paris 2024: Gregorio Paltrinieri, Alberto Razzetti, Thomas Ceccon, Benedetta Pilato and Alessandro Miressi.

Winter Italian Championships, day two: Ceccon and Pilato guarantee a slot at the Olympic Games

• SWIMMING

Thomas Ceccon opened the second day of the Italian Winter Swimming Championships. The day after the impressive displays by Gregorio Paltrinieri and Alberto Razzetti, and in a packed Stadio del Nuoto in Riccione, the Veneto talent triumphed in the 100m backstroke: A time of 52.82 proved enough to gain an individual pass for Paris 2024. The 22-year-old from Thiene (photo ANSA) had already rewarded Italy with a national place for the next Olympic Games along with his teammates with the silver medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay at the Fukuoka World Championships, but in this case he secured an individual Olympic pass. Next up was Benedetta Pilato (photo ANSA). The 18-year-old from Taranto won a spectacular 100m breaststroke final with a time of 1’05.80. This secured her a spot in Paris 2024, where she will strive for the first Olympic medal of her promising career.

National athletics and pentathlon teams received by Mattarella. Malagò: "A unique meeting, thank you President"

• AT THE QUIRINALE

An unprecedented meeting, a well-deserved visit for the great successes achieved in 2023. This morning, the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, received the Italian athletics and modern pentathlon champions, protagonists of a year full of successes. Never before, as CONI President Giovanni Malagò emphasised, had the Italian Athletics Federation and the Italian Modern Pentathlon Federation been given their own reception at the Quirinale. The meeting was attended by the women and men from the track and field team captained by Gianmarco Tamberi and protagonist of the historic European Cup victory in Silesia 2023, the pentathlon world champion in Bath 2023 and winner of the 2023 World Cup final Elena Micheli, the world champion runner-up and European champion in Krakow 2023 Alice Sotero, the European champion Giorgio Malan and Alessandra Frezza, world team gold together with Micheli and Sotero. The Azzurri were accompanied to the Quirinale by President Malagò, CONI Secretary General Carlo Mornati, FIDAL President Stefano Mei, FIPM President Fabrizio Bittner and their respective Technical Directors, Antonio La Torre for athletics and Andrea Valentini for the modern pentathlon. The Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, was also present. "It is indeed a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the Quirinale, together with the Minister for Sport," said President Mattarella. "I would like to thank President Malagò and Presidents Mei and Bittner very much for organising this meeting, which I was very keen to hold. I would like to express my congratulations and thanks for your achievements. These important successes do not end with the many medals and the great, prestigious victories. Alongside this extraordinary record, the fact that you have undoubtedly inspired so many young people to get involved in sport is significant. And this is a great achievement, for which we are even more thankful. Congratulations for these achievements, for these goals. Best wishes for the future. The next stages will be the Paris Olympics and the European Athletics Championships in Rome two months before that. I will be there, of course. I don't know how often, but I hope at least to attend the opening," concluded the Head of State. "Mr President, we thank you for once again opening the doors of the Quirinale to the athletes of Italian sport," began President Malagò. "Today's meeting is in some ways both unique and unprecedented. Before you are the delegations of two important and prestigious Federations that have brought prestige to our history but that, for various reasons, had never had the opportunity to be received alone by the Head of State. I am referring to athletics – commonly referred to as the Queen of the Olympics – and to the modern pentathlon, one of the oldest and most gruelling disciplines of the Olympic world. Mr. President, this is the Italy that wins, this is the Italy that sends positive messages, this is the Italy that honours our flag and makes Mameli’s anthem ring out throughout the world." After Malagò, the presidents of FIDAL and FIPM took the floor: "2023 is a year to remember for us, a historic year, I would say," Mei remarked. "The Olympic Games in Paris represent the most awaited moment of the next season, but for us the European Championships in Rome will also be a key event: our desire is to come back to the Quirinale in a year's time to celebrate new successes." "Mr President, it is with great pleasure that we find ourselves here before you, in a year that has been, to say the least, fabulous for our sport, and for which I express my heartfelt gratitude," said Bittner. "Out of the six international events that are important for our discipline, in the World Cup Final, the European Championships in Krakow and the World Championships in Bath, Italy, our athletes, and our Federation have achieved four victories." An important message came from Gianmarco Tamberi: "When we wear the blue shirt every athlete brings Italy with them. Representing our country is an immense honour but also a great pressure," stressed the captain of the Italian national athletics team. "Sometimes we receive heavy personal criticism, an aspect on which I would like to dwell: it is important to recognise that we are human, we are not immune from mistakes. We ask everyone to recognise our humanity. When we athletes are free from judgments on our performance, we are able to overcome our limits: that is why I would like to ask everyone, from the media to the fans, to look at us athletes as ambassadors of values, perseverance and dedication, and as human beings, who try everything to take Italy as far as possible." Finally, a special thank you to the President of the Republic also came from Elena Micheli: "It is an honour for me to be here, I hope to have honoured Italy by becoming world champion in Bath for the second year running. To make the national anthem ring out by carrying the tricolour onto the top step of the podium was emotional, to say the least. With Alice Sotero and Giorgio Malan we will represent Italy at the Olympic Games in Paris: for us this is an achievement, but at the same time an important goal, for which we will prepare ourselves in the best possible way," concluded Micheli. Tamberi and Micheli then gave the President a copy of the European Team Championship Trophy, a copy of the gold medal from the World Pentathlon Championships in Bath 2023 and autographed jerseys of both national teams.

Winter Italian Championships: Gregorio Paltrinieri and Alberto Razzetti win individual Olympic passes

• SWIMMING

The first evening of finals of the winter version of the Italian Championships ended with a tally of two individual Olympic passes. At the Stadio del Nuoto in Riccione, in the opening session, Gregorio Paltrinieri secured his spot at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. The Italian phenomenon (photo Andrea Staccioli/DBM) dominated the first heat of the 1500 freestyle, completing the event in 14:41.38 and demolishing the Federation's set time limit of 14:44.0. For “Super Greg,” therefore, the doors to the Games have swung open wide for the fourth time in his career. In the pool, he proudly holds the gold from Rio in 2016 (1500m freestyle) and the silver medal he claimed two years ago in Tokyo (800m freestyle). In the penultimate final of the day, Alberto Razzetti excelled and snatched an individual pass for Paris 2024 by winning the 200m medley event with a time of 1:56.21. Alberto Razzetti's remarkable performance, the sixth all-time best in Europe, kept the Ligurian well below the time limit (1:57.00), enabling him to improve on the Italian record he had previously established. For “Razzo” (photo ANSA), already a protagonist in Tokyo 2020, the French Games will be the second Olympics of his career. Italian swimming can celebrate its second and third quota pass for the Olympic event in Paris, the first two at a ranking level after the national place guaranteed to Italy by the men’s 4x100 freestyle relay at the last World Championships in Fukuoka (Japan).

On the field against gender violence; topic of prevention will inspire activities in CONI Centres 2023-2024

• LOCAL AREAS

The CONI Centres season 2023/2024, the well-established CONI youth activity project that has seen the number of associations and clubs asking to join every year, is back in full swing. To date 1,000 applications have already been received from all over Italy and this, in addition to allowing real sports movement growth for young people, offers various benefits to participating associations, such as an annual recognition plaque and free training for their coaches, as well as sports equipment for the youngsters. Yesterday, the first national meeting was held remotely, with 114 regional trainers taking part. The meeting was opened by CONI Vice President Claudia Giordani, with many CONI Regional Presidents attending – together with the National Technical Commission for Youth Activities – to discuss the organisation and planning of goals and proposals for this sporting year. The meeting, which took place in accordance with continuous improvement, led to numerous suggestions. In addition to the CONI Centres' now widespread method, which targets a multidisciplinary approach and building young athletes' sports movement skills through play, the proposal to send monthly feedback to the National Sports Federations and the relevant amateur clubs and associations was added, thus fostering a climate of greater communication and continuous monitoring on an annual basis. Further inspiration for improvement comes from the desire to strengthen the relationship between CONI and universities, with the aim of entering into internship agreements within CONI Centres, since, as highlighted during the discussion, growth inevitably comes from interfacing with young undergraduates who approach local CONI organisations operationally. "As educators we have a huge responsibility," said Cecilia D'Angelo, Head of the CONI Territorial Directorate, and for this reason, echoing the wishes of the audience, she proposed that prevention of gender-based violence should become the common theme that will guide the new 2023/2024 CONI Centres' sports season. The entire CONI organisation for local areas will commit, in the field of training, to a new and practical project that views sport as an important way to combat gender violence and a tool to raise awareness on equality: these are very relevant topics and, unfortunately, particularly significant at the current time in our country. The aim of the initiative is to educate young people who participate in the CONI Centres to promote a culture of fair play through self-respect and respect for other human beings, breaking down the stereotypes that are also present in the world of sport, thereby promoting a real cultural change in the generations of today and tomorrow.

Fabio Cannavaro in the Walk of Fame of italian sport: “A great thrill. I am proud”

• CONI

There is a new world champion in the Walk of Fame of Italian sport. The name on the latest plaque unveiled on the legendary Foro Italico soil is that of Fabio Cannavaro. A former defender for Napoli, Parma, Inter, Juventus, Real Madrid and Al-Ahli, the Neapolitan centre-back was captain and leader of the national team, with which he won the 2006 World Cup in Germany. That unforgettable triumph also earned him another important award that places him among the sporting elite – the Ballon d’Or. Cannavaro is the last Italian, as well as the last defender, to receive the award established in 1956 by the French sports magazine France Football, whose roll of honour includes most of the top stars of the past and current centuries. CONI President Giovanni Malagò and Secretary General Carlo Mornati attended the Walk of Fame ceremony, which followed the one held on 26 October. In the words of Giovanni Malagò, "Fabio needs no introduction. World Champion, Ballon d'Or: he is representative of something that has made us proud. Italian football has had many champions, but few have entered the Walk of Fame. It is a choice made by the Athletes' Commission: these are sportspeople who represent sportspeople for eternity. This plaque consecrates Cannavaro among the sporting greats of our country." Visibly emotional, the former national team mainstay expressed his pleasure: "Thank you. I feel a great thrill. Being here to represent Italian sport is an immense satisfaction for me, it is the fruit of a career crowned with the World Cup title, for which I will always thank my teammates. I am proud".

Gangwon 2024, Dominik Windisch among the 17 'Athlete Role Models' chosen by IOC

• YOG

The Youth Winter Olympic Games (YOG), scheduled in Gangwon (Korea) from January 19 to February 1 of 2024 are getting closer and closer.

Ahead of the prestigious event, the IOC has announced the names of the 17 athletes who will take on the role of 'Athlete Role Models' (ARM).

Among them is former Italian biathlete Dominik Windisch, who in his career has been able to win three Olympic bronze medals: one in the mixed relay in Sochi 2014 and the other two respectively in the sprint race and again in the mixed relay in Pyeongchang 2018. In his palmares, there are also a gold, a silver and a bronze at the World Championships, as well as a total of 14 podiums obtained on the World Cup circuit.

The ARMs will act as mentors for all the young athletes who will compete on Korean soil. The aim will be to pass on their experience and knowledge gained in their Olympic careers. In Gangwon, they will be a valuable tool available to athletes and their entourages to support them during competitions, training and in the Youth Olympic Village during a series of educational activities and workshops.

The ARM program is part of the broader 'Athlete Education Program' (AEP), which is designed to maximize the learning experience of all athletes and their entourage members. It has been an integral part of YOG since its first edition in Singapore in 2010.

"Young athletes look up to Olympians and try to follow in their footsteps, in sport as well as in life," said Kaveh Mehrabi. The ARMs embody the values of Olympism and act as beacons of excellence, respect and friendship, seeking to guide younger athletes towards achieving their dreams," concluded the Director of the IOC Athletes' Department. (agc)

European Championships: silver and Olympic spot for Germani-Bertuzzi in 49erFX, Tita-Banti and Ugolini-Giubilei in podium in Nacra 17

• SAILING

The European Championships in Nacra 17, 49er, and 49erFX concluded for Italy with a tally of three medals and an Olympic qualification. The main talking point of the final day in Vilamoura (Portugal) was the wind-free conditions, preventing the completion of both the last preliminary race and the Medal Races across all three sailing classes. To determine the podiums and allocate passes for Paris 2024, the results achieved by the crews over the preceding five days of regattas were taken into account. In the 49erFX category, Jana Germani and Giorgia Bertuzzi secured the silver medal along with the coveted Olympic quota place reserved for the best NOC that had not yet qualified. The Italian pair (photo World Sailing) finished with a total of 66.0 points, behind Norway's Helene Næss and Marie Rønningen (gold with 58.0), who were already certain of a national place for the upcoming Summer Olympics. Finally, the bronze medal was earned by Spain's Tamara Echegoyen and Paula Barcelò (80.0). There was good news too in the Nacra 17, with two Italian crews finishing on the podium. Ruggero Tita and Caterina Banti (49.0) took silver while Gianluigi Ugolini and Maria Giubilei (52.0) secured bronze. The gold medal went to Great Britain's John Gimson and Anna Burnet (41.0). In this class, Italy had already qualified for the Paris 2024 Games, thanks to the success of Tita and Banti themselves at the Dutch World Championships last August. There was to be no success in the 49er category. Simone Ferrarese and Leonardo Chistè (93.0) ended their Portuguese outing in ninth place, missing out on the Olympic pass by just three points from Ireland (eighth with 90.0). For them and the other Azzurri, one final opportunity remains to secure qualification for Paris: the Last Chance Regatta scheduled for April in the French waters of Hyeres.

The Institute of Sports Medicine and Science turns 60, library named after Barbara Di Giacinto. Malagò: "Forever her place"

• IMSS CONI

The CONI Institute of Sports Medicine and Science celebrates 60 years. At the Acqua Acetosa Olympic Preparation Centre, the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Giovanni Malagò, celebrated the anniversary of the institute that was established on 6 November 1963 and is now named after Professor Antonio Venerando. The only CONI health and scientific facility on national soil, the IMSS, directed today by Giampiero Pastore, has the institutional task of protecting the health of elite athletes, providing the National Sports Federations with scientific knowledge for the improvement of sports performance in view of Olympic and high-level events, and promoting a sports culture aimed at ensuring individual well-being. "I am particularly happy to have with me former CONI president and honorary IOC member Franco Carraro, board member Paolo Pizzo and Olympic champion Elia Viviani," said President Giovanni Malagò. "Here at the Institute there is a long history of men, doctors, sports executives: not only me, but all of us are deeply grateful. In recent years, a new era of success, prestige, credibility and ambition has dawned." On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the IMSS, the Library was named after Dr Barbara Di Giacinto, former director of the Institute of Sports Medicine, who passed away last March at the age of 46. "I am truly honoured to dedicate this room, at the heart of the Institute, to Barbara Di Giacinto," stressed Malagò. "I am happy to have her parents, husband and children here with us. Barbara looks down on us from above and will be happy today – this will remain her place for eternity." "Being here is a pleasure, everyone misses Barbara. At the Tokyo Olympics I experienced great emotions, I remember how she managed every little detail: today she is not here, but I feel her presence," said Elia Viviani. "With great emotion we all remember Professor Di Giacinto. Her children will carry on her memory," Franco Carraro remarked. "I would like to remember Giulio Onesti, whose legacy this all is – we are here thanks to him. And I thank all those who have worked for this Institute: the great results achieved by our athletes are due to the role of the Institute".  "My life is tied to CONI through twelve Olympic Games and long periods spent with the Italian team. The joys outweigh the hard and difficult times, and for this I thank everyone," said Giorgio Santilli, Director of the Institute from 1984 to 1996. At the end of the ceremony, the Library plaque dedicated to Professor Di Giacinto was unveiled. "Barbara was at home here, it was her second family. She was proud and appreciative to be part of the world of sport: at home she told us about everything, she was very focused on her work. It's nice to know that she left such a big mark, translated into these expressions of affection and gratitude," said Vittorio, Barbara Di Giacinto's husband.

Skateboarding, test for Mazzara: "This time I want to arrive at the Olympic Games in top form

• IMSS CONI

In Tokyo 2020 he made his debut, in Paris 2024 he is keen to impress. At CONI's “Giulio Onesti” Olympic Preparation Centre in Rome, skater Alessandro Mazzara underwent a series of tests to monitor his training and assess the muscular strength of his lower limbs: the tests, carried out with the staff of CONI's Institute of Medicine and Sport Science, are fundamental for planning the activities of the coming months in view of the Olympic qualification events. “I started skateboarding by chance,” says the Italian. “I live near the Cinecittà Skate Park in Cinecittà, in Rome: one day my father took me there, I was six years old at the time, and I was fascinated. Since then I’ve never stopped.” 13 years later and his discipline has now become a genuine reality: “Today skateboarding is a sport in its own right. When I started I didn't have an athletic routine, but now I have a team of people who help me to perform at my best. I train in the gym in the morning and skate in the afternoon, or on some days I do two skate sessions. I have to follow a healthy lifestyle: eating well, going to bed early and much more besides.” Born in Erice, in the province of Trapani, Mazzara has always lived in the capital and is in his final year of an arts-focused secondary school. When skateboarding became part of the Olympic programme (it made its Olympic debut in Tokyo two years ago) his outlook changed: “I was at home having dinner with my mum and dad when we heard the news on television. My dad said ‘What an opportunity!’ And he wasn't just referring to me. This is a great chance for the whole movement, since this is a sport that has quite a low profile in Italy.  I am happy that skate parks and skaters have increased in recent years. I realised for the first time that I could make a living from skateboarding. So I began a journey with my dad, who is a very sporty guy and above all is crazy like me (laughs, ed.). At a certain point, the Italian Federation of Roller Sports and CONI took over.” Luck was not on Alessandro’s side before the Olympic Games in Japan: “Two weeks before Tokyo 2020, I fractured my right elbow. An injury before such an important competition was difficult to come to terms with. Then somehow I recovered and participated, finishing 12th, in a special edition of the Games, locked away inside the Olympic Village and with tests carried out every day due to Covid. Everything will be much better in Paris.” The pass is not yet official, but the Italian has a very good chance of qualifying for the upcoming Olympics in the park speciality: “I am number 15 in the world and, considering that there will be a maximum of three athletes per nation in each speciality, some ahead of me will not be taken into account. To go to Paris I have to finish in the top 20 (the Olympic ranking closes on 24 June 2024, ed): I’m confident I can get there. My goal will then be to arrive at the event having prepared well and being able to rely 100% on my physical condition. My dream is winning a medal”.