Two gold medals, four silver and two bronze ones.
The Olympic games have just begun, but the Italian team seems to be ready for the final sprint. Making no mistakes, defeating the opponents and amazing the international observers, the “Azzurri” are probably the best surprise of these first days of competitions. In the provisional ranking – with its 8 medals – Italy is placed third, behind China (13 medals) and the United States (13 medals too). We’re just at the beginning – that’s true – but there are no doubts: it’s a great start! The new heroes who deserved the highest step of the podium are Elisa Di Francisca (foil fencing) and Michele Frangilli (archery).
They both were quite unknown.
And yet, during his long career, Frangilli collected eleven titles of World Champion, whereas Di Francisca won something like ten international gold medals.
Now, in the short space of one day, they got all the popularity they never reached during a years and years. Here’s the magic of the Olympic games. In the meantime, Italy is worried about Federica Pellegrini’s form.
The super-swimmer reached the fifth place in woman’s 400 meter freestyle. Four years ago, in Beijing, she won the race. “I’m sorry – she said -, but I did my best”. She seemed quite nervous and angry.
Fortunately, getting the best times in the qualification for the semi-final of the 200 meter freestyle – during the next race – she became a little more relaxed. “I need serenity – she said -. Now, let’s think to the next race”.