The blue hugs 2021

Like a mockery for a bastard destiny that has kept us and keeps us at a distance, 2021 of Italian sport was the year of hugs. We hugged each other tightly, on the track and on the pitch, in the joy of jubilation or in the pain of defeat; we are close to each other, looking for that warmth and sharing that are the ultimate goal of sport.

The most instinctive, sunny and smiling embrace of the Tokyo Olympics was undoubtedly the one between Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Barshim, on the high jump platform, before the proclamation of the gold medal divided by two, as never before. Are you there? I’m in. They said it in their ear, whispering their dream as one does as a child.

Immediately after, the bluer embrace of summer followed. It happened between 21.42 and 21.53 on 1 August Tokyo local time, when Italy put two legendary golds on the showcase. It was a touching hug, the one with which Gianmarco Tamberi hugged Marcell Jacobs, still stunned by the adrenaline of the sensational victory in the 100 meters. Waiting for someone at the finish line, like waiting for a friend who arrives at the station from a distant city: making him feel that we are there, close, happy for his arrival.

There are hugs that encompass all the sense of a friendship, like the one that brought two old guys together like Roberto Mancini e Gianluca Vialli, respectively Ct and Head of Delegation of the National team that won the European Championship. It was a silent embrace, swollen with memories and tears; a hug that smacked of life, after Vialli’s illness and Mancini’s outstretched hand, who had wanted him beside him on his blue adventure in England.

Every now and then there is an unexpected hug, which comes out of nowhere, without any warning. It is the most beautiful embrace, “A gesture that made my heart vibrate,” as he said Sofia Goggia after the hug with Federica Brignone. Two snow queens, two rivals, two champions who in the past had sometimes not exactly idyllic relationships, two warriors ready to do anything to win. Two women – above all – who for a moment shared their joy by giving a real lesson in sportsmanship.

When finally Ambra Sabatini, Martina Caironi and Graziana Contraffatto they came down from the podium of the women’s 100-meter final, gold, silver and bronze at the Paralympics, they looked for a tricolor flag that united them, that would act as a cloak and armor to their history, which ideally also enveloped those who followed them from home and knew all the sacrifices made to get there. They supported each other, our three blue. Smiling, happy. “United by the desire to overcome us”, as Martina Caironi said, summarizing the meaning of three lives in one sentence.