This morning, in Rome, Pietro Mennea, the last WR holder of 200m before Michael Johnson and Usain Bolt, Olympic Gold medal in Moscow 1980, lost his fight against cancer.
He was one of the greatest sprinter all time, able to reach Olympic final in 4 following Olympic Games : 1972 (bronze medal with 20"30), 1976 (4th), 1980 (winner) and 1984. He also had a 5th partecipation in Olympic Games in Seoul 1988, already 36, but didn't reach the final.
For all the Italian athletes, coaches and officials of the period 1970-1990, Pietro was not only a top champion, but also a friend and a man who wanted to be competitive in all his activities. He had a Universitary degree as Lawyer, and in Science of Business, Lettere (Italian literature) and Physical Education.
To his family, all the World of Athletics offers the condolences. Pietro always will live in our hearts.