A delegation from the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) was received by President Sergio Mattarella in Rome on Friday. Among those present were the natural track lugers Evelin Lanthaler and Patrick Pigneter.

President Sergio Mattarella (centre) with the athletes (Lanthaler 4th from left, Pigneter 7th from right)

Berchtesgaden (FIL/25.05.2024) A visit to the President is a very special invitation. On Friday, the doors of the Quirinal Palace in Rome opened for the most successful winter sports athletes. The delegation was led by the President of the Winter Sports Federation, Flavio Roda, and the President of the National Olympic Committee (CONI), Giovanni Malagó. In addition to Lanthaler and Pigneter, the artificial track lugers Andrea Vötter, Marion Oberhofer, and Dominik Fischnaller were also invited, as well as Dorothea Wierer (biathlon) and Sofia Goggia (alpine skiing).

Evelin Lanthaler and Patrick Pigneter in the Quirinal Palace in Rome

"It was really very interesting to see the Quirinal Palace and a great honour for all of us to be received by the President," enthused Lanthaler, who was visiting Rome for the first time. "I arrived two days earlier to see the Eternal City," said the overall World Cup winner from Passeiertal. Patrick Pigneter was also impressed: "It was something special for everyone, the atmosphere was really unique and a cool experience."

Pigneter-Selfie with Alberto Tomba

The reception with the President lasted about an hour, and all the athletes were specially outfitted for the occasion. The FISI delegation also included former winter sports greats such as Alberto Tomba and Gustav Thöni.