CONI greets Dubai 2020, Arianna Fontana closes series at Expo

• ITALIAN EXCELLENCIES

CONI greets the Dubai 2020 Expo with multiple Olympic short track champion Arianna Fontana and youth national team coaches in gymnastics, canoeing, taekwondo, basketball and tambourine ball).
The blue medallist in the history of the Games was the last of the sporting excellences that Italy showcased in the four events scheduled in the Italian Pavilion at the World Expo hosted in the United Arab Emirates.

Under the CONI flag, in addition to Ms Fontana, there were the medallists of the Italia Team at Tokyo 2020, who animated the debates of the Italian Dialogues, and the technicians of numerous sports federations who put on a practical demonstration of CONI's sports orientation and initiation projects: the CONI Centres, Educamp and the CONI Trophy.

Children from all over the world and present at Expo were thus able to experience the multidisciplinary proposal, offered in the form of a game that Italian sport, with CONI, has brought to international attention.
With the claim 'From the game to the Games,' the 'Azzurri', exceptional ambassadors of our country, were the leading players, together with the children, of Italian excellence in sport. From the established champions to the promising youngsters: a project on which CONI works, with its territorial organisation and all the sports bodies, from the earliest years of children's lives, to follow them in their growth, to help them discover their talent and to ensure that sport accompanies them in their lives and, perhaps, leads some of them to one day stand on the Olympic podium.

Sport in the Constitution OK for the bill. Malagò first signatory of the petition: 'Extraordinary achievement, essential for society'

• NOW IN PARLIAMENT

The Senate Constitutional Affairs Committee today unanimously approved the constitutional bill to include the value of sport among those recognised by the Constitution. Article 33 states that it recognises 'the educational, social and psychophysical wellbeing-promoting value of sporting activity in all its forms'.

CONI President, Giovanni Malagò, was the first person to sign the petition promoted by the Cultura Italiae Association, which was presented during the 'Sport and Constitution: a possible combination’ event, hosted in December in the CONI Executive Hall to illustrate the contents of the bill and the reasons behind it, unanimously supported by the political forces.

"I am very satisfied with this extraordinary, first milestone and with the constitutional relevance that the country is ready to formally and finally recognise to sport, which represents an indispensable dimension for society in terms of the values it promotes and the meanings it encompasses. I am happy for the political and institutional transversality that accompanies this path, which is an eloquent symbol of the strength of our movement and the feeling of positivity it has always been able to express".

Bye-bye Beijing, see you in Milan-Cortina in four years

• WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES

Bye-bye Beijing, we look forward to seeing you in Milan-Cortina. The 24th edition of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games closes with a historic handover with Italy bringing the five-ringed flag back to Europe for the next Winter Games in 2026. The third hosted by our country after Cortina 1956 and Turin 2006.

The Chinese edition ended for the Italian team under the banner of personal records - including that of Arianna Fontana, who, with the gold and two silver medals won in China, reached 11 medals and became the Italian woman with the most medals in the history of the Games - and team records, with the expedition led by CONI President Giovanni Malagò and General Secretary and Head of Mission Carlo Mornati, who returned home with a haul of medals (17) second only to that obtained in Lillehammer 1994.

At the Bird's Nest, the only stadium to host four opening and closing ceremonies (it was also the venue for the 2008 Beijing Summer Games), the Italian flag-bearer, Francesca Lollobrigida, the first Italian medallist in the history of speed skating (silver and bronze here in China), makes her entrance immediately after the Chinese home team, while the tricolour team enters the stadium second-to-last among the 91 competing countries.
Italy will receive the baton from China to organise the next Games.
First, however, there is to celebrate the protagonists of this Asian edition, the third if you consider Pyeongchang 2018 and the summer Tokyo 2020, the second in the Covid 19 era.

Arianna Fontana has her recognition by flanking IOC President Thomas Bach on behalf of the European athletes.
A celebration for the most decorated short track skater in history and a certificate of appreciation for an Italy that has to smile for the two gold, seven silver and eight bronze medals won by the 19 Italian medallists.

Indelible joys confirm us among the greatest and make us dream ahead of the Games at home.
The eyes of the world are all on our country: there is a desire to see the Olympics again in the Alps and to bring the five-circle event back to where winter and ice sports have a centuries-old tradition.
The show curated by Marco Balich gives a foretaste of what is to come: they will be sustainable, inclusive and environmentally friendly games. 'Duality together is' the chosen motto.

The Olympic flag passes from the mayor of Beijing. It is entrusted by Bach, for the first time in the history of five circles, to two mayors, Beppe Sala (Milan) and Gianpietro Ghedina (Cortina), under the gaze of the Undersecretary with responsibility for sport, Valentina Vezzali.

The Tricolour waved in the Olympic Stadium, accompanied by Mameli's anthem performed by Malika Ayane and violinist Giovanni Andrea Zanon. At the same time, the Bel Paese showcased the best it has to offer. A video message in Chinese from the Governors of Lombardy, Attilio Fontana, and Veneto, Luca Zaia, invites the world to Italy.

Expectations are high, but our country will certainly be ready with its champions. Bye-bye Beijing, we look forward to seeing you in Milan-Cortina.

Italia Team greets Beijing 2022 with 17 medals. Malagò: 'Record edition, with a seven and a half mark expedition'

• WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES

A record edition, the second winter edition ever in terms of the number of medals. On the closing day of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, CONI President Giovanni Malagò and Secretary General and Head of Mission Carlo Mornati take stock of the Italian expedition to China at Casa Italia Beijing. And the numbers smile on the 'Azzurri': Beijing 2022 is the second largest edition ever, thanks to the 17 medals won - two golds, seven silvers, and eight bronzes -a haul inferior only to that of Lillehammer 1994 (which was an edition held after two years from the previous one and not after four years). Compared to PyeongChang 2018, the Italia Team grew by 70 per cent (there were ten podiums in Korea): starting from a previous winter edition in double figures, never had there been such large growth, going on to medal in two of the four new mixed specialities (the short track relay and the mixed snowboard cross).

'The grade, in my opinion, is a seven and a half: we did well. Olympic preparation, communication, the whole part of Casa Italia, the athletes. I have always said that we would win between 13 and 17 medals, but nobody can think that when you win 17, only two are gold,' President Malagò commented. A numerical reading could summarise that Italians are much better at winning medals than golds. A matter of cents, injuries, and judgements, but it is something to think about. But in terms of quantity, it remains a record expedition.

Compared to PyeongChang, among the big countries, only Russia grew more than Italy. At the same time, not even China, which competed at home, managed to have a percentage growth like ours.

Of the 19 Italian medallists, the third largest number ever, nine are male athletes and ten female athletes. Beijing 2022 was once again a female-dominated Olympics with 52.94% female, 29.41% male and 17.65% mixed medals.

The medals came from seven regions, but of this ranking, dominated for the second consecutive edition by Lombardy. Curiously enough, the top four regions (almost 85% of all medals) are the ones that will be hosting the next edition of Milano Cortina 2026: namely Lombardy, Veneto, the province of Bolzano and Trento.

With its 119 athletes (82 men and 47 women), the Italian team made the podium in eight different disciplines - something that has never happened in history. In the most successful edition (Lillehammer 1994), Italy won medals in 'only' five disciplines. Better than the 'Azzurri' in China were only Russia, Canada and Norway with nine disciplines. 'It is clear that we are multidisciplinary like no other,' continued the Italian sports number one. In terms of medal quality, this may be a weakness, but in terms of sports culture, this is an added value that we have. We are multidisciplinary and eclectic. It is an element of great strength, of deep pride,' Malagò added.

And although the number of countries winning gold is growing (23 against 21 in PyeongChang), the number of medal winners is decreasing (29 against 30).

In seven months, the world has held two Olympics (Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022) for the first time during the Covid 19 pandemic. However, in the sum of medals won, with 57 podiums, Italy is seventh behind the United States, China, Russia, Great Britain, Germany and Japan, while in terms of disciplines that have won medals, it is third behind only the United States and Russia.

Mornati explains CONI's approach to these Games: 'Organisationally, it was the most difficult Olympics, but the best organised,' the head of Olympic Preparation said. It was the first one organised remotely, and we did everything under strict rules. We were the only committee out of 91 present to build Casa Italia, never officially called a hospitality house, here and in Yanqing. The contracts were only signed on 26 January and 29 January. 2,400 of the 16,300 finalised' passed through Casa Italia. Then Mornati focuses on the work done behind the scenes with the athletes.

'Of the 119 athletes present here, 65 passed directly through our Sports Science Institute, as did 14 of the 19 medallists. Of the eight disciplines in which we medalled out of five, there was a greater impact on the Institute.

So many medals correspond to a hefty prize for our champions. 'We are talking about 2.3 million euros in prizes and almost half a million for our Olympic Club,' says Mornati. Of the 45 million euros that CONI receives each year as a public contribution, 12.5 million are paid to the athletes of Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 through the awards and the Olympic Club'. (photo Giuseppe Giugliano)

A few records to be framed in this five-ring event: FISI grew by 50%, and the FISG even doubled with an absolute record of medals won (eight). In terms of athletes, on the other hand, Arianna Fontana, winner of one gold and two silver medals, has become the most medal-winning female athlete in the history of Italian sport (summer and winter) and only two medals behind Edoardo Mangiarotti, who, however, compared to Arianna, made it to six Olympics. In contrast, Arianna has now made it to five. Arianna also holds the record of being the only woman at the Winter Olympics to have medalled in five consecutive editions (equalling Armin Zoeggeler among the men); Dorothea Wierer, with bronze in the sprint, became the first Italian woman to win an individual medal at the Games in the biathlon; Francesca Lollobrigida gave Italy the first female medal in the history of speed skating. Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner's gold medal is the first ever medal won by Italy in Curling at the Games; Omar Visintin won Italy's first medal in men's snowboard cross; Federica Brignone, silver medal at 31 years and 208 days, is the oldest skier ever to win a medal in the Olympic giant slalom in addition to being the first Italian ever on the Olympic podium in the speciality in 86 years of history and the second Italian skier to stand on the podium twice in an Olympics (after Deborah Compagnoni, Nagano 1998). Brignone is also the fifth Italian national to win a medal in the same discipline at least twice (the others are Deborah Compagnoni, Gustav Thoeni, Isolde Kostner and Alberto Tomba, who came in at three medals). A result achieved a few days later by Sofia Goggia, gold at PyeongChang2018 and silver at Beijing 2022, who is now the only Italian woman to have succeeded consecutively in the downhill: never had there been a podium in the women's downhill at the Games with two Italian women. This was thanks to Goggia and Nadia Delago (the only previous women's Super G in Salt Lake with Ceccarelli gold and Putzer bronze).

'The average age of the medallists is slightly higher than in PyeongChang. We are in the number of 26. I consider this a very good signal for Milan-Cortina 2026'. And just looking at the Olympics at home, Malagò adds: 'We dutifully asked for input to plan four years at best. We have been saying for months that every week is the right week to unblock the situation even though we are already late because we were expecting it between September and December. This is about taking boys and girls from 15 to 18 years old who have to be in a permanent retreat for four years, and funding is needed. Those who host the Olympics do much better. So you play the joker because you are in all sides.' The starting point is an edition that is already history: BEIJING 2022

Fontana silver in 1500, she is the Italian woman athlete who won more medals in the history of the Games. Malagò: 'Arianna, you are in the legend! I am proud of you'

• SHORT TRACK

Arianna's Olympic thread is lengthened... Fontana. At the Capital Indoor Stadium, the Italian athlete writes another indelible page in her career by taking silver in the 1500 metres at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games on a podium consisting of Olympic champion Choi from Korea and Dutch bronze medallist Schulting. This is the Italian's third medal in this five-ring event (the others being gold in the 500 and silver in the Mixed Team), adding to a unique trophy cabinet in the history of short track and Italy: 'Ary', in fact, hits 11 medals and overtakes Stefania Belmondo to become the most medal-winning Italian woman at the Olympic Games (including the Summer Games). (photo Mezzelani GMT).

It was a matter of thousandths. Seventy-three down for gold and three away from the bronze medal. Arianna performed another miracle. Remaining covered as usual until the final laps, she was joined by Korean Minieng Choi, a distance specialist and world and Olympic record holder, together with Dutchwoman Suzanne Schulting. At the finish line, however, the Italian managed to slip in between the two and beat her Orange opponent by just a few thousandths. This is the order of arrival: 1 Minieng Choi 2:17.789, 2. Arianna Fontana 2:17.862, 3. Suzanne Schulting 2:17.865.

'Arianna, you are in the legend! - said President Malagò - With this wonderful silver medal, you have become the most medal-winning Italian athlete of all time, leaving Stefania Belmondo behind you. Once again, you have shown your immense class, and I am proud of you. And thanks to this medal, the Beijing 2022 edition becomes the second most prestigious winter Olympics ever for Italian sport. These are endless and indescribable joys that I want to share with the athletes, technicians and federal presidents here at my side, together with Secretary General Carlo Mornati. Thank you, Italia Team!'

Among the other Italians competing, a good performance by Cynthia Mascitto, who went on to the semifinals and here ranked third, a position possibly useful for the repechage (the best in the final), but her time was exceeded in the last heat. Instead, Arianna Sighel was eliminated in the quarter-finals.

Mattarella to Malagò: 'Congratulations to the athletes for their behaviour and results. And how many sacrifices Goggia has made. I look forward to seeing you at the Quirinale.'

• BEIJING 2022

The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, telephoned CONI President Giovanni Malagò in Beijing a short while ago. 'Please compliment the Italian athletes for the results achieved so far and for their conduct during these Olympic Games,' said the Head of State. You did very well. Keep it up. A special greeting goes to Sofia Goggia. I followed her. I saw how many sacrifices she made to come back after her injury. My warmest appreciation to you obviously to be extended to the technicians, managers and federations. When you return to Italy, I will expect you at the Quirinale'. President Malagò thanked Mattarella and then phoned Sofia Goggia to give her the message from the President of the Republic. Sofia was moved and said: 'Sorry pres, I would have liked to bring you a gold, but that will be for next time.' Sofia Goggia is expected to be celebrated in a few minutes at Casa Italia.

IOC President Thomas Bach visits Casa Italia

• CONI - IOC

The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, visited Casa Italia in Yanqing this evening. Bach was welcomed by CONI Secretary General and Head of Mission of Italy, Carlo Mornati. The IOC 'number one' was accompanied by IOC Sport Director Kit McConnell and IOC Director of Relations with the Olympic Committees, James McLeod. President Bach was entertained by chef Graziano Prest, who prepared some specialities of Italian cuisine for him. During dinner, he spoke with CONI President Giovanni Malagò, who was in Beijing to follow the short track competitions.

IOC includes Constantini and Mosaner among the athletes celebrated in the Olympic Museum in Lausanne

• CURLING

Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner enter the IOC Olympic Museum. After winning the historic gold medal in the mixed curling doubles at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, the IOC Heritage asked the two national team members to donate an object commemorating their success to the Five Circles Museum in Lausanne to inspire the younger generation and promote the Olympic spirit. Once the Chinese Games are over, therefore, the broom used on this magical evening at the National Aquatics Centre will rightfully become part of the memorabilia of the illustrious champions who wrote Olympic history.

Draghi to Malagò: Italy will know how to assert itself as in Tokyo. I'll be waiting for you when you return

• BEIJING 2022

CONI President Giovanni Malagò had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Mario Draghi. The Prime Minister sent, through Malagò, a message of greeting to the Italia Team because of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games: 'I extend to the Italian athletes my sincerest wishes for a successful Olympics on behalf of the Government and my own. I am sure that in Beijing, as in Tokyo, Italy will know how to do well. I look forward to your return,' Draghi's words on the phone with the CONI President who landed in Beijing this morning. (photo ANSA)

Mattarella to Malagò: 'Best wishes to the athletes, in particular to Moioli and Goggia. I will be following you'

• BEIJING 2022

This morning CONI President, Giovanni Malagò, had a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella. Malagò spoke to the Head of State shortly before boarding the flight from Zurich that is taking him to China for the Olympic Games. 'I extend my warmest greetings to the Italian athletes,' Mattarella told Malagò. And in particular, to Michela Moioli for her new role as flag-bearer and Sofia Goggia with best wishes for a speedy recovery. I will follow you with great affection and see each other on our return. Italy is always proud of you'. (photo Ferraro CONI)