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Italian athletes to watch for medals at Paris 2024

The Paris 2024 Olympics are about to start, and Italy is set to show a formidable lineup of athletes across various sports, each with a strong chance of winning medals. Here are some standout Italian athletes expected to perform exceptionally well. Fingers crossed for all of them!

Athletics

Marcell Jacobs, the reigning Olympic champion in the 100 meters, is poised to defend his title in Paris. Jacobs made history at Tokyo 2020 by becoming the first Italian to win the 100 meters gold with a stunning time of 9.80 seconds. Even if he had physical issues in the years after his Japanese triumphs, Marcell (who is half Italian and half American), thanks to his speed and determination remains a top contender in this Olympics.

Gianmarco Tamberi is known for his charismatic personality and exceptional high-jumping skills, as well as for his gold medal at Tokyo 2020, which he shared with Qatar-born and friend Mutaz Essa Barshim. He holds the Italian national record with a jump of 2.39 meters and has won multiple titles, including the Diamond League and European Championships. Tamberi’s consistent performance keeps him in the spotlight for another medal in Paris.

Gianmarco Tamberi is among the favorites to win a gold (Photo by filip bossuyt – CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikicommons)

Volleyball

Italy’s men’s volleyball team has a strong history of international success. With experienced players like Ivan Zaytsev and rising stars such as Alessandro Michieletto, the team is expected to be a formidable competitor in the tournament. Their powerful offense and solid defense make them serious medal contenders.

Similarly, the women’s volleyball team led by the dynamic Paola Egonu, is also expected to excel. Egonu, one of the top scorers in the world, along with a mix of experienced and young talent, positions the team as strong contenders for a medal in Paris.

Paola Egonu ready to serve (Photo by Osvaldo Telese – Flickr, CC0. Wikicommons)

Tennis

Despite ATP no.1 Jannick Sinner pulling out of the Olympics because of tonsillitis, Italian tennis has serious changes to get medals in Paris. Jasmine Paolini has been making significant strides and her recent performances at Rolland Garros — the same courts where she’ll play the Olympic matches — and Wimbledon, have demonstrated her incredible talent and resilience. Paolini is expected to bring her best game to Paris, making her a potential medal winner for Italy.

We can say the same about Lorenzo Musetti. Known for his stylish play and strong backhand, Lorenzo has emerged as a rising star in the tennis world. Just like Jasmine, he has impressed in recent international tournaments, which suggests he could be a significant contender in both singles and doubles events in Paris.

Shooting

Jessica Rossi is an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in shooting and remains a top competitor in her field. Her performance at the London 2012 Olympics, where she scored a near-perfect 99 out of 100 was the stuff of dreams and she is among the favorites according to the press.

Italian athletes at Paris 2024 Olympics: the virtual medal table

Recently Eurosport published on their website the results of a virtual research carried out by Nielsen’s Gracenote to predict these Olympics most likely medal winners in every discipline. Gracenote’s work was based on previous Olympics results, as well as achievements in recent competitions. The virtual medal table that ensued predicts Italy will win 11 gold medals, one more gold than those obtained in Tokyo, and three less than the nation’s best gold score of 14 at the LA Olympics of 1984.

Predicted gold medalists include:

  • Gianmarco Tamberi (high jump)
  • Irma Testa (boxing, -57 kg)
  • Italian women’s volleyball team
  • Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (boxing, -92 kg)
  • Giovanni De Gennaro (canoeing, slalom, K1)
  • Tommaso Marini (men’s foil)
  • Alice Volpi (women’s foil)
  • Italian women’s foil team
  • Elena Micheli (pentathlon)
  • Caterina Banti and Ruggero Tita (sailing, Nacra 17)
  • Vito Dell’Aquila (taekwondo, -58 kg)

Overall, Italy is expected to finish seventh in the medal standings, a result not seen since Sydney 2000, improving on recent Olympic performances.

We’ll see how it goes!

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