Sport Is Developing An Italian Accent

Euro 2020 represented so much more than just the return to normality, as it also marked the return of a footballing super nation. Italy’s rise to the top of European football over the summer of 2021 not only showcased their absurd talent but also their patriotic resolve in the face of a 4 year absence from the world sports spotlight. Not only has their recent victory made them one of the most feared football nations in the world, but has also lit a golden flame underneath it’s Olympic athletes who have put the world on notice in Tokyo.

Italy at Euro 2020 - nytimes.com

Sitting 10th in the medal table, Italy have had a hand in some of the most jaw dropping moments at this years games. Lamont Marcell Jacobs shocked the world on Sunday when he took top spot on the podium for the men’s 100m with a time of 9.80s, a feat not accomplished by any other Italian in the Olympic’s 125 year history. Elsewhere around the Olympic stadium, fellow Italian Gianmarco Tamberi took gold in the men’s high jump, sharing the top spot on the podium with Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim. The Italians have also collected gold medals in both the rowing and taekwondo, not to mention further silver and bronze medals in fencing and swimming, and gymnastics bringing their total medal tally up to 28.

Lamont Marcell Jacobs (right) wins 100m final - inews.co.uk

It isn’t just their success that has gained them notice at this years games, but instead their sheer presence. Up to now, their has been at least one Italian representative in most sports finals, all of which have finished inside the top five of the final results. Italy have also been at the forefront of the unprecedented amount of Olympic and World records that have been broken at this years games, with Italy’s cycling team setting a Olympic record in the men’s team sprint before being beaten out by Norway.

Italy Team Sprint - cyclingnews.com

Unfortunately for the rest of us, Italy don’t seem to be slowing up. Their performance in 2021’s summer of sport has come with a defining statement - pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza and sport is soon to develop an Italian accent.

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