Here are the Italian sailors who will be at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

At the FIV Federal Council meeting held on January 19, the names of the athletes who will represent Italy at the Olympic Games in Paris were indicated. They are three female sailors: Chiara Benini Floriani, Jana Germani and Giorgia Bertuzzi.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are getting closer and closer. And for Italy’s sailing begins to compose the mosaic of the team that will represent our country in this important sporting event. On Jan. 10, the Italian Sailing Federation announced the first names of athletes who will travel to the French capital to try to win an Olympic medal.

At the Federal Council meeting, the indications of Technical Director Michele Marchesini were accepted, who in all these months had been able to understand who had the right potential to wear the blue jersey and do honor to Italy on the French race courses. In the end, he chose three women who demonstrated commitment, continuity, and steady growth.

Chiara Benini Floriani: “My dream comes true.”

For the ILCA 6 Class, FIV chose Chiara Benini Floriani, an athlete from Riva del Garda who is a member of the Fiamme Gialle. In recent years Chiara has won Silver at the Mediterranean Games in 2022, Seventh at the European Absolute, Fourth at the Princesa Sofia Trophy and Bronze at the Olympic Test Event in Marseille in 2023.

“Participating in the Olympics has been my dream since I was a child, and to have this opportunity at the age of 22 makes me very proud,” says Chiara Benini Floriani, “to date, however, the goal of participating has turned into playing for top positions in the rankings. I would like to thank my family, my fiancé and my friends who have been there for me even in the moments when things were not going in the right direction, the Italian Sailing Federation and my coach who are giving me this great opportunity. As well as the Fiamme Gialle who have supported me for more than two years, the coaches, trainers and all the professionals who have worked with me, helping me to become the athlete I am today. A final thanks goes to Fraglia Vela Riva and all the sponsors without whom all this would not have been possible.”

Jana Germani and Giorgia Bertuzzi on the 49er:FX

In the 49er:FX Class, the Italian crew indicated Federal Council is the one composed of Jana Germani from Trieste and Giorgia Bertuzzi from Malcesine, both athletes of the Italian Navy. The two sailors in recent years have distinguished themselves by achieving podium finishes at the Princesa Sofía Trophy and Bronze at the European Absolute in 2022. As well as silver at the Semaine Olympique Française in Hyeres and the European Absolute in 2023.

“I dreamed of participating in the Olympics when I was still sailing on the Optimist,” says Jana Germani, “to think that after so many years the dream becomes a reality is an indescribable thrill. Now, as always, maximum dedication to make every single training, sacrifice and commitment count. I would like to thank my parents for allowing me to get this far by believing in me. Thank you to the Italian Sailing Federation, the Navy and everyone who made this achievement possible.”

Now hard training for the biggest challenge

“It has been four long years full of emotions and defeats,” Giorgia Bertuzzi echoes him, “but we can finally communicate our joy for this achievement. Now my goal is to return from Paris with a medal. There are still just under 200 days left in Marseille, and these will be the hardest training sessions where we will have to give our all to reach the goal. I owe a big thank you to my family, to the Federation in particular to Michele Marchesini and to the Navy that is allowing us to achieve our dreams. Finally, my thanks go to Gianfranco Sibello who has formed me as an athlete and as a person.”

At this point the choices indicated by the Italian Sailing Federation will be submitted to the Italian National Olympic Committee for final approval. After that, there will be the long technical preparation ahead of the Olympics scheduled to start next July 26.