Livio Berruti: the Olympic gold medalist who changed the history of Italian sport

Livio Berruti: the Olympic gold medalist who changed the history of Italian sport

On September 3, 1960, at the Rome Olympics, a 21-year-old from Turin became  a sporting legend. Wearing white socks and shoes, sunglasses, and a light, elegant run, Livio Berruti won the gold medal in the 200 meters, tying the world record twice in just a few hours.

He was the first European to win Olympic gold in the 200 meters, a distance reminiscent of the ancient Stadion of Olympia (192.28 m). This feat not only wrote an unforgettable chapter in athletics history, but also became a symbol of an Italy that faced the world with pride and modernity.

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The 1960 Rome Games: The Birth of Legends

The Rome Olympics were considered the first truly "contemporary" edition, capable of uniting the finest youth from around the world. That year, Berruti wasn't the only one:
• Abebe Bikila won the marathon running barefoot, becoming a legend.
• A very young Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) won gold in the light heavyweight division at just 18 years old.
• Italy also celebrated the successes of Nino Benvenuti, Sante Gaiardoni, and Raimondo D'Inzeo.

Rome 1960 thus remains an Olympics that saw the birth of legends destined to inspire generations.

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Livio Berruti: elegance, lightness, and a free spirit

The son of a wealthy family, a student at the Liceo Classico Cavour and then at the University of Chemistry, Livio didn't run out of necessity or social redemption. He ran for pure pleasure. His "light, elegant, and joyful" style made him unique: an Italian sprinter who seemed to dance on the track, with the grace of a dancer and the determination of a champion.

Today, at 86, Berruti lives in Turin with his wife, Silvia. He moves with difficulty, but his mind remains as clear as ever, as fast as when he was "the fastest man on Earth." His free and slightly rebellious spirit continues to represent an example of passion and authenticity.

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A timeless symbol of Italian sport

Livio Berruti's feat remains one of the most prestigious moments in the history of Italian athletics. His gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics was not only a sporting victory, but also an act of beauty and lightness that still excites today.

👉 On Strength and Courage, we celebrate the legends of Olympic sport and their ability to inspire generations.

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