Paris 2024: Errigo and Tamberi as blue flag bearers. “I'm living a dream”

Paris 2024 Olympics: Errigo and Tamberi as blue flag bearers

Arianna Errigo and Gianmarco Tamberi are the flag bearers of the Italia Team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This was announced by the President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, during the CONI National Council.

Arianna Errigo, multiple fencing champion, gold in team foil and individual silver at London 2012, team bronze at Tokyo 2020 and mother of twins Mirea and Stefano, she succeeds in her discipline to Valentina Vezzali, blue standard bearer in the London edition. Tamberi, on the other hand, Olympic champion in Tokyo 2020 and reigning world and European champion in the high jump, he succeeds, in athletics, Pietro Mennea who paraded in Seoul 1988.

It is the second time in the history of the Summer Olympics that the Italia Team has opted for two standard bearers, implementing the indications of the IOC promoter of gender equality among athletes: it had already happened in Tokyo 2020 with Jessica Rossi (skeetshooting) and Elia Viviani (cycling). Errigo and Tamberi will receive the Tricolore from the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella on 13 June at 11am at the Quirinale, together with the flag-bearers of the Italian Paralympic Committee.

The two standard bearers will instead parade on Friday 26 July in the iconic opening ceremony, scheduled along the Seine.

Paris 2024 Olympics: Tamberi, 'I couldn't have received better news, I'm living a dream'

“Today I couldn't have received better news, representing the Italian expedition at the Paris 2024 games fills me with pride”. Gianmarco Tamberi writes it on his Facebook profile. “I recognize that I have not always managed to represent every single Italian in recent years, but I also believe that being able to do so while maintaining one's authenticity is extremely complex. What I know with even more certainty is that I have always given my all to sport, putting it ahead of anything else in my life.”

“I tried to be a captain worthy of his role. Someone who could be as supportive as possible to his younger teammates in difficult moments, trying to create a strong and above all united group. I had prepared myself for the idea that the choice would fall on Greg, an athlete and friend for whom I have immense respect. The only words that came to mind if this had been the final choice were: “I am proud to have a leader like him in Paris.” I hope with all my heart that I can live up to this role for Italy and I promise that I will do everything to be so. A deep thank you to President Giovanni Malagò, the CONI board and the National Council, for the trust placed in me and for having restored the flag-bearing role to Italian athletics after 32 long years. I'm living a dream.”

Paris 2024 Olympics: Errigo, 'my heart bursts with joy'

“Flag-bearer of Paris 2024 together with Gianmarco Tamberi! My heart bursts with joy!”. Arianna Errigo writes it on Instagram. “You know when you don't believe it even after they've told you? Thanks Giovanni Malagò and thanks to the entire Coni council for believing in me! Gimbo, it will be an honor to parade next to you!”.