Italian Speed Skater Andrea Giovannini Wins Menarini Fair Play Award

Andrea Giovannini, Italy’s leading long‑track speed skater, was honoured with the International Menarini Fair Play Award for his sportsmanship. Speaking at the ceremony, Giovannini highlighted that true value of a champion lies in fair play, recalling when he lent a spare shoe‑lace to an opponent before a mass‑start race, enabling the rival to compete.

He also welcomed the International Olympic Committee’s new $10,000 financial grant for athletes qualifying for the Milano‑Cortina 2026 Games, noting how such support is crucial for “minor” sports like speed skating that receive limited media attention and sponsorship. Giovannini’s remarks underscored the link between competitive success and the principles of respect, solidarity and integrity that the Menarini award seeks to promote.