If you’re looking for the top Italian athletes to watch for at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, you are in the right place.
Italy has always used the Olympic Games as a platform to display its incredible athletes, unwavering determination, and immense national pride. They’ve been making their mark since ancient times.
Livio Berruti, known for winning the 1960 Rome Olympics 200m gold, competed with sunglasses, setting a trend. Pietro Mennea held the 200m world record for 17 years and won gold in Moscow 1980. Edoardo Mangiarotti, a fencer, won 13 medals in five Olympics. Giovanna Trillini excelled in women’s fencing, earning seven medals, including four golds in 1992 Barcelona.
These are just a few of the most incredible Italian Olympians who’ve left an everlasting mark, exemplifying Italy’s unwavering dedication to global excellence. Their achievements inspire us, showing that dreams can come true with hard work, talent, and passion.
READ ALSO: Most Popular Sports in Italy
Get ready for more incredible tales of victory and pride from Italian Olympians! And now, let’s introduce you to some of the top Italian athletes to keep an eye on in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
Top Italian Athletes To Watch for at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
We have compiled a list of the top Italian athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics that you should watch out for. Keep in mind, though, that these athletes will face tough competition from all over the globe, but their commitment and talent might just create unforgettable memories at the next Summer Olympics!
1. Leonardo Fioravanti (Surfing)
Leonardo Fioravanti, born on December 8, 1997, in Rome, made history as Italy’s first surfer to take part in the newly introduced Olympic surfing event. He was the winner of the 2022 EDP Vissla Pro Ericeira in Ribeira D’Ilhas, Ericeira, Portugal.
In the 2016 US Open for surfing, Fioravanti courageously took part despite sustaining injuries during practice before the event. Unfortunately, he was eliminated from the competition, with signs that his injury affected his performance.
Fioravanti was the pioneer representing Italy in the inaugural Olympic surfing event, reaching the second round in the competition. Anticipate great achievements from this Italian competitor in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris!
2. Lamont Marcell Jacobs (Athletics)
Lamont Marcell Jacobs, Jr. is an Italian track and field sprinter who also used to be a long jumper. His mother is Viviana Masini, an Italian, and his father is Lamont Marcell Jacobs, Sr., an African American serviceman. They met when Jacobs, Sr. was stationed at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy.
Jacobs boasts an impressive track record, holding the 100 meters and 60 meters European records. He played a pivotal role in Italy’s 4 × 100 m. relay gold at the 2020 Olympics and secured gold in the 100 meters at the 2022 European Championships.
He won in the 60 meters at the 2022 World Indoor Championships in Belgrade and made history by winning the 100 meters gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a record-breaking time of 9.80 seconds.
Born in El Paso, Texas, Jacobs identifies as being Italian and currently resides in Rome with his wife and children.
3. Gianmarco Tamberi (Athletics)
Gianmarco Tamberi, the Italian high jumper, is a standout in athletics. His personal best of 2.39 meters not only showcases his talent but also stands as the Italian national record for both indoor and outdoor competitions.
Born on June 1, 1992, Tamberi’s athletic journey began with a bronze medal at the 2011 European Junior Championships in Tallinn. He’s gone on to win numerous gold medals in high jump events, including sharing the top spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with Mutaz Essa Barshim from Qatar.
Tamberi made history by winning the Diamond League crown in 2021, a first for an Italian athlete, and repeated this victory in 2022. His remarkable journey continued with victories at the European Outdoor Championships (2022) and the World Outdoor Championships (2023) in high jump.
4. Adrian Carambula (Beach Volleyball)
Adrian Carambula was born on March 16, 1988, in Uruguay. His family relocated to Florida, USA, during his teen years. He qualifies to represent Italy, thanks to his maternal grandmother, who hails from Turin.
Carambula is a dynamic volleyball player who’s ranked third globally in his pairing. He made waves at the 2016 Olympics alongside Alex Ranghieri. Since 2018, however, he’s been rocking the court with Enrico Rossi by his side.
Adrian Carambula is nicknamed “Mr. Skyball” because of his unique serve. Instead of the usual, he sends the ball sky-high. When he serves, you’ll hear the iconic James Bond Skyfall theme playing in the background!
5. Simone Alessio (Taekwondo)
Italian taekwondo athlete Simone Alessio was born on April 14, 2000, in Livorno, Italy. He clinched the gold at the 2019 World Taekwondo Championships in the men’s lightweight event.
Simone Alessio secured his spot in the 2020 Summer Olympics by excelling at the 2021 European Taekwondo Olympic Qualification Tournament. He also snagged the gold medal in the men’s welterweight event at the 2023 World Taekwondo Championships, held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Is he going to secure the Olympic gold in Paris as well? You’d better believe it’s within his grasp! Keep an eye on him!
6. Jessica Rossi (Shooting)
Jessica Rossi, hailing from Cento, Italy, was born on January 7, 1992, and has made a name for herself as a highly accomplished Italian sports shooter. Her remarkable career features a series of outstanding achievements.
In the 2012 Summer Olympics, Jessica Rossi earned an Olympic gold medal in Women’s Trap, setting records with a perfect score of 75 out of 75 in qualifications and 99 out of 100 in the final. She has also excelled in World Championships with 9 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals, and in European Championships with 10 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze medals.
Her dedication to both her sport and community is evident, exemplified by her world record in the 2012 London Olympics and her heartfelt dedication of her Olympic gold to earthquake victims in Emilia-Romagna, her home region.
Jessica Rossi is not just a champion in shooting but also a symbol of excellence and compassion, making her one of Italy’s most celebrated athletes that you should watch for in the next Summer Olympics.
7. Filippo Tortu (Athletics)
Filippo Tortu, the Italian sprinter, has left an indelible mark in track and field. Coached by his father, Salvino Tortu, a former Sardinian sprinter, Filippo was born in Milan on June 15, 1998. His impressive achievements have solidified his place in Italian sprinting history.
Filippo Tortu made history as Italy’s first sprinter to break the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters (9.99 seconds). He won bronze at the 2022 European Championships in the 200 meters, played a key role in Italy’s 4×100 meters relay gold at the 2020 Olympics, and contributed to their silver at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
His athletic journey started young, winning medals in 2017 and 2016, all guided by his dad. He’s also a key part of Italy’s 4×100 meters relay team, holding a national record and boasting the second-fastest Italian time in the 200 meters at 20.10 seconds.
8. Elisa Longo Borghini (Road Cycling)
Italian cyclist Elisa Longo Borghini boasts a remarkable career, aging like fine wine. She made history by winning the Tour of Flanders in 2015 and securing a bronze in her first Olympics (2016).
In 2021, she defended her national titles and triumphed in prestigious races. A surprising victory at Paris-Roubaix in 2022 marked a turning point, leading to more wins, including the Women’s Tour. In 2023, she continued to excel with a second-place finish at Liège and Italian national titles, cementing her peak performance.
Borghini was born on December 10, 1991, in Verbania, Italy. Her family’s passion for sports runs deep, with her mom, Guidina Dal Sasso, being a cross country skier. And there’s more talent in the family – her older brother, Paolo Longo Borghini, was a pro cyclist from 2004 to 2014.
9. Antonella Palmisano (Athletics)
Born on August 6, 1991, in Mottola, Italy, Antonella Palmisano is an Italian racewalking champion with 9 medals in the national championships at senior level.
Palmisano achieved 3rd place at the 2017 World Championships in London, 4th at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and 5th at the 2015 World Championships in the 20 km. race walk in Beijing.
The pinnacle of her success, however, came when she clinched 1st place in the same event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Will she be able to repeat this feat in the 2024 Paris Olympics? There is a big chance she will! Stay tuned.
10. Alice Sotero (Modern Pentathlon)
Alice Sotero, born on May 28, 1991, in Asti, Italy, is a distinguished Italian modern pentathlete who has proudly represented her country in various prestigious competitions.
Her remarkable journey includes appearances at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and the 2023 European Games.
Among her notable achievements, Alice secured a commendable 4th place in the individual event at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, amassing 1363 points, showcasing her prowess in the modern pentathlon.
11. Giorgio Malan (Modern Pentathlon)
A rising star to watch out for, Italian pentathlete Giorgio Malan was born on January 26, 2000, in Turin, Italy.
He brought home the gold medal in the 2023 European Games held in Krakow, a victory that not only added a shiny accolade to his collection but also secured Italy’s third individual pass for modern pentathlon at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Malan showed his equestrian skills and nailed the laser run, beating out competitors like Britain’s Joseph Choong and Hungary’s Csaba Bohm.
Keep an eye out for Giorgio Malan and his exciting journey ahead!
12. Luca Curatoli (Fencing)
Luca Curatoli, a left-handed sabre fencer born on July 25, 1994, in Naples, Italy, is a fencing sensation. He’s not only passionate about fencing but also has a strong family connection to the sport. He’s the half-brother of Raffaello Caserta, the 1995 sabre world champion, and Leonardo Caserta, who is also Curatoli’s coach.
In 2014, Curatoli achieved gold at the Junior European Championships and Junior World Championships. He continued his impressive run by winning a silver medal in men’s sabre at the 2015 European Championships and contributing to Italy’s gold medal victory at the World Championships in Moscow that same year. He reached the table of 16 at the 2015 World Fencing Championships, marking the best Italian performance in men’s sabre.
In the previous Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Curatoli secured a silver medal as part of the Italian men’s sabre fencing team. With his remarkable track record, Luca Curatoli is undoubtedly a standout athlete to watch in the upcoming Paris Olympics!