She followed the entire run-up to the Games on behalf of the Foundation: “We’re ready”

Diana Bianchedi is a bundle of excitement. Her words flow quickly; she’s making the most of every moment, because the Milan-Cortina Games are just around the corner and she’s in a rush. The vice president of CONI is officially the chief strategy, planning, and legacy officer of the Organizing Committee. In practice, for seven years—ever since June 24, 2019, when the Olympics were awarded in Lausanne—she’s had to be everywhere, without a moment’s distraction. So much so that during these hectic days, she’s running around in a tracksuit among people in suits and ties. Perfect. Someone like her, with two well-preserved Olympic gold medals at home, should be used to keeping her emotions in check. “But instead…”

But instead?

“There’s a real rush of adrenaline. I was talking about it with IOC President Kirsty Coventry as we were heading to the Olympic Village to sign the Wall of Truce. We feel exactly the same as we do a week before one of our own Olympic races: you have to clear your mind of anything other than performing at 110%. Let me explain. It can still happen that a new or improved idea pops into my head today, but enough is enough—it’s time to gather my energy and smile. There aren’t enough people smiling, but we need to do it because the mood outside of here is good—actually, it’s fantastic.“

What kind of feedback have you received?

”The IOC Athletes’ Commission—which, I assure you, hasn’t been lenient over the years—really appreciated the facilities and infrastructure, starting with the Olympic Village. Today I was looking at the rooms: I remember well when there was nothing here, and I couldn’t help but think that soon someone will be crying on those beds and someone else might be cuddling their medal there… The Village is special—in Barcelona, I took my kids to see where I used to sleep! These days I’ve also been spending a lot of time with the volunteers—they have wonderful stories: one of them is here with his mom and girlfriend; they come every day from Turin and work in different areas. I asked him why, and he replied, “We want to make the Olympics happen.” That’s the most beautiful thing. That’s why I’m so fired up. We’ve set up an experimental model, and I know we’ve done an extraordinary job.”

So is everything in order? Are we ready?

“As an athlete, doctor, and executive, I’ve been part of 13 editions of the Games: they’ve all started and they’ve all ended, even during a global pandemic. So yes, we’re ready, and we’ll be there. We’ll probably iron out a few things along the way with our typical Italian proactivity and our spirit of adaptation. The important thing is that it’s the event the world is expecting—and the world always expects so much from Italy.”

So we’re heading into the Opening Ceremony on the 6th with enthusiasm. Will it be the same at the end of the Games?

“I think it will be even greater, because there will be the excitement for the athletes, who remain the true stars of every Olympics. That’s another reason why I’m glad we have several ceremonies—they’ll allow everyone to enjoy that unique and intense moment.”

How much have you changed during this journey?

“Honestly, it’s been the most challenging life experience I can remember, for a thousand reasons, and I’m happy to have enjoyed it as an adult. My family was far away, and I moved back in with my mom in my hometown after so many years. It was a very, very intense experience of professional and personal growth, with some incredibly difficult moments and others that were absolutely beautiful. It was a great learning experience, both for me and for the many young people who worked with us.”

There you have it—the famous “legacy.” A word that’s perhaps even a bit overused, but one that’s always been central to her.

“Just this morning (yesterday, ed.) we signed a manifesto with AIRC and Esselunga to promote healthy lifestyles. I arrived there wearing my Milano-Cortina tracksuit—everyone else was dressed to the nines—but I wanted to do it this way to make it clear that even in such a hectic moment, we haven’t forgotten our commitment to leave a lasting impact beyond the Games.”

Let’s get back to the athletes. The Italian team seems ready.

“Yes, there’s optimism, and it stems from the knowledge that everyone has undergone Olympic training at the very highest level. This morning I met Elisa Confortola, who was with us on stage in Lausanne back in 2019. She had ended her speech by saying, ‘I’m 16 years old—let me live the dream of an Olympics on home soil.’ Seeing her now in the corridors of the Village wearing the Italian tracksuit really moved me. And then there’s Goggia, Brignone, and I can’t help but mention Giovanni Franzoni… The look on his face as he cries and kisses his mom—I love it! Plus, he’s already sending out positive messages, telling the kids that he never gave up despite the dark times—it’s fantastic. Let’s hope he’s ready to handle the pressure. I believe that he, like so many other members of the Italian team, has prepared himself to be at the top of his game for these Games. And keep in mind that it’ll be difficult because sometimes it’s easier to win when you’re on the other side of the world. But if by chance you manage to do it at home, the warmth you receive is overwhelming.”

The IOC Athletes’ Commission really appreciated the Olympic Village

Diana Bianchedi
Vice President of CONI

How would you rate yourself as an organizer of the Games?

“We’re making our dream come true; we’re overcoming a challenge that at first seemed truly impossible. As I said, it’s time to smile—even for this Italy that has shown itself to be united in its diversity.”

So you won’t tell us your rating?

“But have you ever seen an athlete give themselves a rating before competing?”