People MICHAEL PHELPS Michael Phelps was born in the USA in 1985. He began swimming at the age of seven and at 15 years old he qualified for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, becoming the youngest male to join the US Olympic swim team in 68 years. In 2001, he broke the world record in the 200 metres butter y, becoming the youngest male world record holder in swimming history. He took part in the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, in Beijing in 2008, in London in 2012 and in Rio in 2016, which were his last Olympic Games, building up his record of twenty-eight Olympic medals, twentythree of them being gold. Outside of competition, he has created the Michael Phelps Foundation, which promotes healthy lifestyles, especially for children, and also focuses on mental health awareness. Michael Phelps s dedication, talent, and perseverance have made him an icon, inspiring athletes and individuals worldwide. ALBERTO TOMBA Alberto Tomba, who was referred to as Tomba la Bomba for his powerful and aggressive skiing style, is an iconic figure in the world of alpine skiing. His charismatic personality and showmanship, together with his exceptional talent, captivated audiences worldwide and made him one of the most celebrated skiers of his generation. Born in 1966 in a village near Bologna (and not in an Alpine region), he began his competitive skiing career in the early 1980s.Tomba excelled in the technical disciplines of slalom and giant slalom. He became the first alpine skier to win three Olympic gold medals at two different Winter Olympic Games: at Calgary in 1988 in slalom and giant slalom, and at Albertville in 1992 in giant slalom. After retiring from competitive skiing, Tomba remained involved in sports, promoting youth skiing and taking part in charity events. RAIMONDO D INZEO Raimondo D Inzeo (1925-2013) was an Italian show jumping rider. Together with his brother Piero, he grew up in a family with a strong equestrian tradition. Raimondo followed his father s path, entering the Italian cavalry and later serving as an officer in the Carabinieri Cavalry Regiment. Raimondo and Piero were the first athletes to compete in eight consecutive Olympic Games from 1948 to 1976. Raimondo s Olympic achievements include gold in individual show jumping at the 1960 Rome Olympics; silver in both individual and team show jumping at the 1956 Stockholm Olympics, and bronze in team show jumping at the 1960, 1964, and 1972 Olympics. As a Carabinieri officer, Raimondo always competed in his military uniform; his riding style was known for the harmonious partnership he created with his horses. 66 TO GO