Mediterranean Games: Record-breaking Italy surpasses 220 medals

Italy has already made the Mediterranean Games in Taranto its most successful edition ever, breaking the national record for medals with one day of competition still remaining.

The Italian team reached a provisional total of 223 medals after winning 36 on the day. That haul included 10 golds, 13 silvers and 13 bronzes. It surpassed Italy’s previous record of 193 medals, set at Bari in 1997.

Italy leads the medal table with 73 gold medals, 78 silver and 72 bronze. Türkiye follows with 104 medals, while Greece sits third with 71. Italy briefly trailed Türkiye during the opening day, but then dominated the standings and extended its lead throughout the competition.

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It is always difficult to predict success. We came from excellent seasonal results, but breaking a historic record like Bari 1997 was not a given, and perhaps it even came unexpectedly.

Three titles remain available on the final day: the men’s and women’s half-marathons, plus the water polo final, where Italy’s Settebello will face Montenegro. Those events could add to the Italian total.

The day’s 10 gold medals came in rowing, gymnastics, sailing and athletics, among other sports. Elena Sali and Melissa Schincariol won the women’s lightweight double sculls, while Tito Christoforakis and Giovanni Borgonovo took the men’s title. Benedetta Gava won both the women’s vault and floor exercise. Athletics golds went to Vittoria Fontana in the 200 meters, Ayomide Folorunso in the 400-meter hurdles and Sara Fantini in the women’s hammer throw. Italy also won the mixed 4x100 relay and the women’s 4x400 relay.

CONI Secretary-General Carlo Mornati said the result had not been guaranteed despite Italy’s strong seasonal performances. He described breaking the Bari record as unexpected and said Italian sport was maintaining its level across the Olympics, European Championships, World Championships and Mediterranean Games.

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It is a long wave that runs from the Olympics to the European Championships, the World Championships and the Mediterranean Games. Italian sport is proving equal to the occasion.