Italy shines at the 2024 Paris Olympics with Giovanni De Gennaro winning the gold medal in the kayak slalom event and judoka Alice Bellandi claiming gold in the -78 kg category. De Gennaro completed the race penalty-free with a total time of 88.22. French athlete Titouan Castryck took silver (88.42), and Spanish athlete Pau Echaniz secured the bronze (88.87). In the final, Bellandi defeated Israeli athlete Inbar Lanir.
During the event, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stood up to applaud the Italian athlete and even went onto the mat to embrace the newly crowned Olympic champion. “She was extraordinary. Her expression and determination were extraordinary. It was a beautiful moment,” commented the Prime Minister.
Speaking to Rai Sport after his gold medal win in canoe slalom, De Gennaro said, “The gold medal? It’s heavy, but I couldn’t imagine anything else. It’s a dream I’ve been chasing for a long time, realized through hard work and a bit of luck, which is always necessary.” He also expressed joy for Bellandi’s gold medal in judo just moments after his win. “She is from Roncadelle, my hometown in Brescia, it’s a beautiful story.”
Following Bellandi’s victory, Italian singer Albano improvised a performance, singing ‘Felicità’ on the mat. The crowd joined in, creating a memorable and celebratory atmosphere.
At the Grand Palais, the Italian women’s foil team secured a spot in the finals where they will face the United States at 8:30 PM. In the semifinals, Italian fencers – Arianna Errigo, Alice Volpi, Martina Favaretto, and Francesca Palumbo (reserve) – defeated Japan 45-39. This marks Italy’s fourteenth medal at the Paris Olympics.
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