Italy's First Olympic Gold Has Inter Milan's Colors: Inspired by the Nerazzurri's Second Star and Zhang Kangyang's Leadership

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, a special guest made an appearance at the San Siro Stadium: world-class swimming star Nicolò Martinenghi. Born in Varese, a town just 34 kilometers from Milan, this 24-year-old athlete is not only a swimming sensation but also a die-hard Inter Milan fan. His fervor for the club has been evident since his childhood.

Before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic, Inter Milan clinched the Serie A title. Martinenghi visited the San Siro to watch his beloved team play and stated, "Inter winning the Scudetto motivates me to perform well at the Olympics." In Tokyo, Martinenghi shone brightly. He captured a bronze medal in the men's 100m breaststroke with a time of 58.33 seconds, narrowly missing out on gold by 0.96 seconds but breaking the Italian national record. Additionally, he was a crucial member of the 4x100m medley relay team, helping Italy set a new national record with a time of 3:29.17 and earning another bronze.

Italy won a total of 40 medals at the Tokyo Olympics, and Martinenghi emerged as a key hero. Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Martinenghi returned to the San Siro to witness Inter Milan reclaim the Serie A title. This victory was particularly special as it marked the historic achievement of earning a second star on their jerseys, symbolizing their 20th league title. Martinenghi remarked, "Inter winning the championship in 2021 coincided with my progress at the Olympics. This year, Inter did it again, and I will be full of determination at the Olympics! Gold medal? Who knows!"

Despite being a favorite in several major competitions, including the 2020 Olympics, the 2021 Swimming World Cup, the 2022 World Championships, and the 2023 European Championships, Martinenghi often fell just short of the top spot. However, fortune favored him in Paris. He swam an impressive 59.03 seconds in the 100m breaststroke, setting a new Italian record and narrowly defeating his lifelong rival, British swimmer Adam Peaty, by a mere 0.02 seconds. This close finish was hailed by the IOC as the "most intense and closely contested gold medal battle" of the Paris Olympics so far.

Much like the camaraderie between badminton legends Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei, Peaty, despite losing the gold by such a narrow margin, was the first to congratulate Martinenghi. He kissed Martinenghi and said, "We created a classic together!" During his victory speech, an Italian TV reporter humorously noted, "Your medal finally matches your hair color. How do you feel?" Caught off guard, Martinenghi, still breathless from the race, struggled to find words and self-deprecatingly said, "I lost my voice during my gold medal speech... but it's what you do that matters, not what you say."

Martinenghi's changing hair color has become a talking point among Inter Milan fans. Though naturally blonde, he frequently dyes his hair, often reflecting his devotion to the club. About a year ago, he visited Inter's headquarters with his hair dyed black, possibly as a nod to his admiration for club president Zhang Kangyang (Steven Zhang) or simply his intense passion for the club.

Photos from his childhood and student days, shared by fans on Twitter, reveal a lifelong obsession with the club's colors. His clothes, backpacks, and even bed sheets were often blue and black. Before the Paris Olympics, after visiting the San Siro, he dyed his hair bright blonde again, signaling his determination to match Inter's championship success with his own Olympic ambitions.

This level of dedication comes with risks. If Martinenghi had failed to win gold, the bold gesture could have been seen as overconfident. However, this illustrates the societal role of sports: Martinenghi, a staunch Inter Milan supporter, drew inspiration from the club's success, which in turn fueled his Olympic aspirations.

In the European sports community, particularly in swimming, athletes often criticize their Chinese counterparts over doping allegations. Martinenghi stands out as an exception, showing respect for Chinese athletes. His admiration for Zhang Kangyang's leadership in guiding Inter out of difficult times is one reason. During a visit to Inter's headquarters, he even told Zhang that he wanted to visit China more after retiring. His background in badminton and his stint as a TV commentator for the sport have also given him a high regard for Chinese athletes' prowess. Additionally, a friend of his doing business in China frequently shares insights about the country, further distinguishing Martinenghi from Europeans who speak about China without substantial knowledge.

Ultimately, genuine understanding dispels misconceptions and fosters mutual respect. Martinenghi's story is a testament to how sports and personal passions can intersect, creating a powerful source of motivation and achievement.