In Shanghai the Italian men’s coxless four crew claimed the world title – and they dedicated their gold to Filippo Mondelli. The team stepped onto the podium waving the Italian tricolor, honoring the memory of their late teammate.
Italy’s victory in the four without coxswain marks a return to world-champion status after seven years away. The lineup – Luca Rambaldi, Andrea Panizza, Giacomo Gentili and Luca Chiumento – took command early and never looked back. They led by nearly two seconds over Britain and 3.26 seconds over Poland at the finish.
Rambaldi, Panizza and Gentili had all won before; Chiumento now fills the role once held by “Pippo” Mondelli. After crossing the finish line, the Italians raised their flag and dedicated the triumph to Mondelli, who passed away in 2021 following a battle with osteosarcoma – a nod to the deep bond among the crew.
Their dominance in Shanghai was evident: they won their heat, secured the semifinal, and controlled the final with strength and composure. Throughout the race they extended their lead, managing conditions and exertion with experience. According to Rambaldi, the difference came down to adaptability – of weather, wind or everything else racing presented. He added that though Mondelli is no longer with them, his spirit held sway in their hearts.
Elsewhere, in the women’s pair, Laura Meriano and Alice Codato came in fourth. It’s a solid result in a field they’ve challenged all season – silver at the European Championships and gold earlier in World Cup competition. Their bid for a podium position fell just short after a strong fight in the first half gave way to a U.S. overtake in the final stretch.
Tomorrow, attention turns to Giacomo Perini competing in the PR1 single para-rowing final at 8:20 local time – his race will be keenly watched as he battles rowers from Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Ukraine and France.
