Say Universiade, and you also think of the achievements that, in this context – second only in importance and participation to the Olympic Games – CUS Bologna has managed to secure.
Yes, because in Germany, representing the colors and prestige of Italian universities (under the banner of FederCUSI, led by President Antonio Dima), there was a strong presence from Bologna.
Bologna shines because the Alma Mater Studiorum has long embraced the dual career model, which allows high-level athletes to continue their studies. Not with discounts or privileges, of course, but with a set of tools – from the presence of a tutor to the possibility of rescheduling exams that coincide with sports events – that allow young people to pursue their academic path with more flexibility. Among the Universiade successes, one name stands out in particular: Alice Nardo. Because Alice was part of the team that won gold in women’s volleyball. Another medal, in this case bronze, bears the name of Fabrizio Di Marco, who was part of the épée team that stepped onto the third tier of the podium.
A round of applause also goes to Enrico Montanari and Giovanni Frattini in track and field. The former reached the final in triple jump, the latter finished eleventh in the javelin throw. In beach volleyball, Erika Ditta successfully made it past the group stage. In artistic gymnastics, Carolina James finished ninth in the team event, while Niccolò Vannucchi was part of the Italian team that, after the serious accident suffered by Lorenzo Boniciolli, decided to withdraw out of respect for their unfortunate teammate. In taekwondo, Luca Ferella and Diego Gessaroli put on a great show, though without getting the results they deserved, while Marta Lombardini was stopped in the round of 32, both in singles and doubles tennis.
Marta was one of the happiest athletes to have taken part in this international, tricolor experience.
“It was truly a wonderful experience,” said Lombardini, “and everything went beyond my expectations. It was an extraordinary event that brought together sport, culture, and young talents. For me, it was an honor to represent the Italy of university sports.”
Similar words came from Fabrizio Di Marco.
“An extraordinary opening ceremony and incredible emotions. All together, wearing the Italian colors. A source of pride and great happiness. As for results, I didn’t do well individually. I just had a bad day and didn’t perform at my best. But it was a different story in the team event. We were a real group, even though we had never competed together before. But at the Universiade, we supported each other, helped one another, encouraged one another. That’s how we won a beautiful medal – unexpected, but well deserved. Just being in Germany was already a huge source of pride. Contributing to the Italian medal tally filled us with joy.”
No less enthusiastic were Luca Ferella and Diego Gessaroli.
Here’s Luca: “It was a wonderful experience that I got to share with my team. Competing and representing my country at a world championship is a great honor for me. The result wasn’t what I had hoped for, but it motivates me to improve and do better in the next competitions.”
And Gessaroli? “It was a match full of emotions. Everyone gave their best, and the real team spirit was on full display. I was truly proud to represent Italy.”
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