The Scampia area (Naples) applauds the two’s appearance on the pitch. Pino, gold in Sydney 2000: “Ezio and I (gold in Moscow) have in common the love for sport which taught us discipline, sacrifice and the value of perfection”
In his gym in Scampia, Gianni Maddaloni has built many beautiful things over the years. In particular, he trained men and among them, many champions. His son Giuseppe, “Pino” Maddaloni, won the Olympic gold in Sydney 2000 and, last night, in that same gym, he held the press conference to launch his candidacy, as a managing director for the judo sector, for the FIJLKAM federal elections on December 21st. “I grew up in these areas, in the northern suburbs of Naples – said Maddaloni – and sport, judo in my case, is growing up with strong values. It teaches you to choose a side.”
friendship
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Sitting next to Pino Maddaloni is Ezio Gamba, Olympic gold medalist in Moscow 1980 and candidate for president in the same federal elections. A bond, that between Maddaloni and Gamba, of friendship, esteem and trust. “We like to win, and we have already won together” specified Pino. “This phrase perfectly sums up the bond that unites us. Our history is made of passion, determination and friendship. From the beginning, we have been united by a love for judo, a sport that has taught us discipline, sacrifice and the value of perfection. I’m not just talking about the technical gesture, but about that continuous improvement, that attempt to be better today than we were yesterday. When I say ‘winning’, I’m not just talking about a medal or an achievement. Winning means giving the best of ourselves, putting our heart, soul and sacrifice into everything we do. This is what has always guided us and what has allowed us to achieve goals that have surprised ourselves and exceeded the expectations of many.”
A journey, therefore, that now begins a new chapter?
“Yes, it was an extraordinary journey, made up of successes, but also of moments in which we understood how much judo has given us: not only on the tatami, but in life. And precisely for this reason we feel the need to return what we have received. Give it back to judo, to Italy, to the community that allowed us to become what we are today.”
How do you find this harmony in your diversity?
“We know each other very well, and yet, it is our diversity that excites us. We have different lives and careers, and this has never divided us, on the contrary, it has made us more complete. Maybe it’s not a coincidence: we chose each other. And the choice to walk together, with shared goals, is what makes our bond so special. Ah, and then… I can’t help but say it: Neapolitans and Brescians have always gotten along well, right? It is a tradition that we carry on with pride and with a smile. What awaits us is a new chapter, a new tatami on which to fight and win. Not for ourselves, but for everything we represent.” Numerous interventions enriched the press conference in the gym of the Star Judo Club in Scampia and, among these, several prominent figures of Italian judo, such as Luigi Nasti, Bernardo Centracchio, Marco Mangiarano, Marco Maddaloni. “Sport teaches legality – added the host Gianni Maddaloni in closing – it is an instrument of love towards children”.
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