On the morning of the 16 December, in the Sinopoli Room of the Parco della Musica Auditorium in Rome, the prestigious Gold Collars for Merito Sportivo, the highest accolade in Italian sport, were awarded. The event celebrated the achievements of athletes who secured gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as at the World Championships. Coaches also received the Palma d’Oro for Technical Merit in recognition of their invaluable contributions.
The ceremony was attended by the president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), Giovanni Malagò, the president of the Italian National Paralympic Committee, Luca Pancalli, and Minister of Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi. A heartfelt letter from Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni opened the event, underscoring the national pride in these extraordinary accomplishments.
Alice Bellandi was recognised for her outstanding achievement in winning Olympic gold in Paris, while Odette Giuffrida was celebrated for her World Championship title secured in Abu Dhabi. These athletes’ success was shared with their coaches, who played pivotal roles in these victories. Laura Di Toma, Francesco Bruyere and Antonio Ciano received the Palma d’Oro awards for their technical expertise and guidance.
Odette Giuffrida: This is a year I will remember forever for my great victory at the World Championships. After so many years, I finally succeeded! I imagined a different outcome at the Olympics after Rio and Tokyo, where I won silver and bronze, but the fifth place in Paris still brought me peace because I gave my all. I am very happy to be here today. For years, I watched this ceremony from home and now I am incredibly proud!
Alice Bellandi: This medal feels like a love story. When they place a medal around your neck, it’s as if something you have dreamed of every morning and night finally comes to an end. After that moment, I needed time to rediscover my goals and motivation. Professional sport is all-consuming, and I took some time to focus on Alice as a person, not just as an athlete. Now, I am back with new dreams and ambitions!
Laura Di Toma: This recognition is significant for Alice Bellandi, Odette Giuffrida, and the entire team. As the first female Technical Director in Italian judo history, I believe this achievement belongs to the entire judo community. From the small and large clubs forming the federation’s foundation to the families, coaches, and management teams who work tirelessly, this success is shared. My colleagues from the national team are messaging me now and this medal is as much theirs as it is mine. Thank you, FIJLKAM!
President Domenico Falcone, Secretary General Massimiliano Benucci, and Judo Sector President Giuseppe Matera joined the champions and their coaches at the ceremony. Together, they celebrated a year of remarkable achievements that showcased the strength and unity of the Italian judo community.
Congratulazioni!
Images: Simone Ferraro-Luca Pagliaricci / Text: FIJLKAM
Author: Szandra Szogedi