An incredible story, but absolutely authentic his Giorgio Pellicelli, 87, who after a fifty-year academic career at the Turin School of Economics and Commerce, devoted himself body and soul to sports, especially rowing, and graduated (it should be said) world champion. At nearly ninety, the “retired” university professor appears very much alive and active and is already thinking about next year’s World Cup.

He was joined by three other rowers from Turin who won the gold medal at the Euro Masters Regatta in Munich. The rowing event was held from 27 to 30 July in the newly renovated Olympic Basin in Munich, where the rowing finals were held during the 1972 Olympic Games. The races were organized according to World Rowing (World Rowing Federation) rules, over 1,000 meters and 6 lanes and brought together Masters rowers (27 years and older) from all over the world. In this regatta, which this year was made particularly complicated by wind, rain and repeated storms, four subalpine athletes from Turin took the Mole to the first step of the podium.

And here are the champions:

Giorgio Pellicelli in the L category of singles lightweights (86-88 years old),

Carolina Mailander in single lightweight category F (55-59 years),

Donatella Borgialli in 8+ Women’s H (70-75), 8+ Mixed H and 4+ Women’s H, in international crews.

These three athletes are members of the Canottieri Armida, a historic club founded in 1869, which has grown numerous Olympians and World Champions and which sees a strong presence of Master rowers training daily in the area of ​​the city of Po. In addition, Massimo Marchisio of Reale Canottieri Cerea won gold in the 2x G (65-70) paired with a rower from Florence.

The skipper activity is dedicated to anyone over the age of 27 who wants to try their hand at rowing. Being a sport that can be practiced at all ages and in all seasons, it is perfectly suited to anyone who wishes to approach an activity with great physical benefits and able to give personal and team results. Starting rowing is a process of instant gratification and can be shaped according to one’s own needs: from practice just for the purpose of simple physical exercise to regional, national or international team competitions, in which many Armida members participate combining fun and action.

The Armida company is particularly well known in Turin has always been based in Valentine’s Park and for 141 years it has been a meeting point to enjoy one of the most evocative parts of the city in peace. The building, which housed the ‘Pavilion of the French Colonies’ during the 1911 World’s Fair, is now a listed building by the Environment and Historic Heritage Authority. In the beautiful hall, full of trophies and memorabilia, which welcomes organ-themed evenings and delightful dinnersDesigned for members during the winter, it contrasts with an elegant garden and a spectacular terrace overlooking the River Po, with views across the hill. During the 2006 Winter Olympics, the venue hosted the VISA Olympians Reunion Center. Members and athletes are always available to showcase the charm and legendary history of Armida.