We took a trip through the Italian standouts that started their careers as Junior European medalists.
1996 (Birmingham)
Adriana Crisci, one of Italy’s earliest stars with her Sydney Olympic participation was first a junior European medalist in 1996 with her silver in the all-around and floor. Several years later, in the 2012 – 2016 period, she made a comeback and although she did not make major teams for Italy videos from her participation in domestic competitions are available.
1998 (Saint Petersburg)
Two years later Italy won team bronze with a squad that included Elena Olivetti (bronze on bars) and Monica Bergamelli (silver on beam). Monica would become a three-time Olympian for Italy (2000, 2004 & 2008) and she would also be part of the team that won the European Team Title in 2006.
2004 (Amsterdam)
Again it was team bronze for Italy with a squad led by future World All-Around Champion Vanessa Ferrari. At the junior Europeans she was the silver medallist in the all-around and she also won a bronze on beam. The team also included Federica Macri, who won the junior bronze medal on Floor and Francesca Benolli who would become a two-time European medallist on vault in the senior division (Gold in 2005 and Bronze in 2008)
2010 (Birmingham)
Another team bronze for Italy. The squad included Erika Fasana who also won a junior bronze on vault and future two time Olympian (2012 & 2016) Carlotta Ferlito.
2012 (Brussels)
A historic meet for Italy since they won team silver and for the very first time, the Junior European All-Around Title with Enus Mariani. Elisa Meneghini also won bronze on beam.
2016 (Bern)
The Italian team had two standout gymnasts and coincidentally both were named Martina. Maggio won the vault title while Basile won the bronze in the all-around and silver on vault. Martina Maggio turned senior last year and finished 6th in the all-around at the 2017 Europeans while Martina Basile was born in 2002 and is only starting her senior career this year.
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