Brignone: beyond imagination

BRIGNONE
It would be hard to find a more beautiful image in 2026 than the one gifted to us by Federica Brignone. On April 3, 2025, her left leg was shattered; yet, at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, she went on to win two gold medals. Seeing her rivals kneel before her—and seeing her return the gesture—offers the finest possible lesson in sportsmanship for everyone. QUEEN.

FISCHNALLER
At 45, Roland Fischnaller became the first Italian athlete ever to compete in seven Winter Olympics. He recalls his mother’s words: "If you do something, you must do it well—to the best of your ability," adding, "I can look inside myself and say I did exactly that with snowboarding." Regarding life after his career, he surprises everyone by stating he simply wants to be a happy farmer. A display of humility from someone who loves his land. HUMBLE.

BASSINO
Following a training crash in late October, Marta Bassino—unlike Federica Brignone—was forced to miss her home Olympics. Despite this setback, the champion’s words are deeply meaningful: "In both sport and health, we face difficult moments, obstacles, and fears; yet it is precisely in those moments that it is vital not to give up, to push beyond our limits, and to see the light after the darkness." SPIRITUAL.

MATTARELLA
President Sergio Mattarella is becoming increasingly "Pertini-esque"—in the most human sense of the word. His warmth grows with the passing years, ensuring a level of engagement that is not merely patriotic but deeply heartfelt as he shares in all the beauty of sport. We had only seen him that happy at Wembley during the 2021 European Football Championship, and now—five years later—that genuine smile reappeared as he celebrated the Italian medalists. PATERNO.

MENICHELLI
A monument of Italian sport has passed away. Franco Menichelli was one of the greatest Italian gymnasts in history—if not the greatest. A native of Rome, he was 84 years old. His 1.63-meter frame housed genius, talent, and an immense capacity for innovation. To this day, he remains the only Italian Olympic champion in the floor exercise—the discipline that most captures the public imagination. He achieved this feat at the 1964 Tokyo Games. MEMORABLE.

MALEN
Doniel Malen, Roma’s new forward, has entered the world of Italian football not only with goals but also with a simplicity not always found in champions. He is active on social media, yet in a very personal way, never conveying arrogance. One of his recent posts read: "Another year surrounded by family and growth. Thank you, God!" This reflects how faith is a driving force for the man, even before the player. GRATEFUL.

HAMEL
Speaking of athletes who were victims of the Holocaust, the story of Edward Hamel is among the most poignant. Ajax fans fell instantly in love with that creative winger, dubbing him the "Young Ram." In 1942, he was arrested; his wife, children, and parents were immediately exterminated by the Nazis, and he was sent to Auschwitz. Anyone who fails to understand that revisiting this history is essential to avoid repeating the same mistakes does not deserve to live on Earth. MARTYR.

Carlo Nesti
NP March 2026