Nicolò Martinenghi, who has won the
Olympic 100m breaststroke gold, said Monday the medal is the
"jewel that counts the most", referring to his father, a
goldsmith.
The 24-year-old conquered Italy's first gold medal at the Paris
Games.
"I fought for my life, it wasn't the perfect competition but the
competition of a lifetime", he noted.
The new champion met with CONI President Giovanni Malagò at Casa
Italia on Monday.
"I was a little impressed when I learned that it was Italy's
first gold here in Paris - contributing to the cause of the
country is always fundamental for me".
The Italian swimmer on Sunday evening won in 59.03 seconds, with
Britain's Adam Peaty and American Nic Fink both clocking 59.05
to share second place.
Martinenghi won two bronze medals three years ago at the Tokyo
Summer Olympics.
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