From Ice Dreams to Olympic Flames: The Journey of Manuela Angeli

Manuela Angeli, now 86, recently relived her Olympic memories in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the same town where she skated 70 years ago in the 1956 Winter Olympics. Angeli, a hometown hero, lit the Olympic cauldron as she reminisced about her skating journey.

Beginning her passion on natural ice, Angeli swiftly advanced from novice to seasoned competitor, honing her skills across Europe. With relentless dedication, she balanced academics and extensive training, fueled by familial support. Her father, also an Olympian, encouraged her pursuit despite the financial demands.

Reflecting on the stark contrasts between amateur skating then and the polished professionalism now, Angeli cherishes the camaraderie and simpler times of the past. Despite the pressures of competition, her fondest memory remains the parade, surrounded by cheering locals as she proudly represented her town on the world stage.