The 2024 Italian Sports Awards Ceremony took place on December 16, 2024, at the prestigious Auditorium Parco della Musica ‘Ennio Morricone’ in Rome. This grand event recognized outstanding performances of Italian athletes throughout the year, culminating in remarkable achievements during the Paris Olympics. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opened the ceremony with powerful words celebrating the spirit, resilience, and hard work of Italy's athletes who brought home forty medals from the Games, including twelve golds, thirteen silvers, and fifteen bronzes. Her message conveyed the pride of nationhood shared through sport, capturing the essence of this celebratory occasion.
“Oggi celebriamo i Collari d’oro al merito sportivo, la massima onorificenza del Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano... il mio primo pensiero va alle quaranta medaglie ottenute ai Giochi Olimpici di Parigi,” stated Meloni, highlighting the exemplary year for Italian athletes, which saw them rise to the top of the Olympic podium throughout the competition.
The ceremony also made history by including numerous award winners from various sports disciplines. Athletes such as Lisa Vittozzi (Biathlon), Davide Ghiotto (Speed SkATING), and Jannik Sinner (Tennis) were honored, reflecting the breadth of talent and commitment found within Italian sports today. The recognition was not limited to athletes alone; coaches and sports organizations were acknowledged for their pivotal roles. The awards emphasized collective achievements, with recognition for both athletes and their support teams.
Next, Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), took the stage to deliver inspiring remarks. "Nello sport si ricomincia sempre da capo, c’è sempre una nuova stagione... ogni volta si scrive una nuova pagina del meraviglioso libro della storia dello sport italiano,” he proclaimed. Malagò underscored the importance of celebrating the triumphs of the past, yet remaining vigilant and determined as they face the challenges of the future.
This sentiment of renewal and determination was echoed by CIP President Luca Pancalli, who said, “Il risultato di un atleta è sempre quello di un gruppo... I risultati dello sport italiano sono quelli di una squadra.” His words encapsulated the essence of teamwork and the collaborative efforts necessary for reaching sporting heights alongside the pride felt across the nation.
The ceremony also saw Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, remind the audience of the resilience displayed by athletes like Sofia Goggia and Ambra Sabatini. “Dobbiamo fare come loro,” he urged, emphasizing the commitment to recover and push harder to achieve their goals. His comments served as both encouragement and inspiration for future athletes to learn from setbacks.
Abodi also took time to honor the memory of Matilde Lorenzi, tragically lost earlier, emphasizing sports' role not only as competition but also as healing and community building. This poignant moment highlighted the shared human experience and connection among athletes, families, and fans.
The event culminated with acknowledgments of Italy's success on the international stage, not just at the Olympic Games but across numerous disciplines throughout the year. Special attention was drawn to the tennis community, which saw unprecedented victories, including Italy's first-place finish at the Billie Jean King Cup, and successful performances at the Davis Cup. These victories were celebrated as fitting tributes to the perseverance of the athletes demonstrating the essence of Italian sportsmanship and excellence.
Looking to the future, Meloni emphasized the unity and determination required to support Italy's efforts leading to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics and other major sporting events, fostering continued excellence. “Abbiamo davanti a noi una doppia opportunità,” she declared, acknowledging both the athletic goals and the related societal impact of sports.
The evening's celebrations encapsulated the essence of teamwork, resilience, and national pride, fostering enthusiasm for future sporting endeavors. The event was not merely about awards — it was about celebrating not just individual victories but the collective spirit of Italian sports. This year served as both, a pinnacle of achievement and a springboard for the formidable challenges and opportunities still to come. The message was clear: unity and perseverance pave the path forward as Italy embarks on its next chapter of sports history.
