It was a banner year for Tuscany at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro: athletes from around the region brought home four gold, four silver and three bronze medals.
Niccolò Campriani returns to Florence, gold medal in tow | Ph. courtesy of Alitalia
Athletes from Prato and the surrounding areas led the pack: silver medals went to Marco Innocenti (men’s double trap) and Chiara Tabani (women’s water polo) and a bronze to Stefano Tempesti (men’s water polo). Florentines in the spotlight included silver medalist Rachele Bruni (women’s 10 kilometer swimming) and Niccolò Campriani, who brought back two gold medals for the men’s 10 meter air rifle and in men’s 50 meter rifle, three positions. This Saturday, he will be presented with the Gold Florin, the City of Florence’s highest honor. Sharing the stage at the ceremony will be Fucecchio-born Simone Buti, who gave a standout performance in the men’s volleyball finals against Brazil (which Italy lost 3-0).
Swimmer Gabriele Detti of Livorno brought back two bronze medals for his performances in the men’s 400 meter and 1500 meter freestyle. Gabriele Rossetti of Ponte Buggianese and Diana Bacosi, who grew up in Cetona, won gold in men’s and women’s skeet shooting, respectively.
Placing fourth in their categories were Marco Innocenti of Arezzo (judo) and Marta Pagnini of Prato (rhythmic gymnastics).
