Gabriella Marchi

Gabriella Marchi was the top Italian female gymnast for several years. She began training in 1968 with her older brother, who introduced her to the technical manager of the Rimini club, Gian Neri, son of the great gymnast and Olympic champion Romeo Neri.

Marchi’s talent was noted by the Matlochi’s, coaches of the great Věra Čáslavská, who the Italian Federation had hired to train for the 1972 Olympics. In 1970, at just 13-years-old, Lella competed in Roma against Great Britain, and placed second in the Italian championship. The following year she took the team gold medal at the Mediterranean Games and in 1972 won the Trofeo Primavera. At the München Olympics Marchi was the best Italian gymnast, placing 48th in all-around.

From 1973-75 Marchi captained the Italian team and she obtained good results at the European and World Championships. After retirement she coached the club Edera Ravenna, worked with the Italian Federation, and also became a referee. She died a tragic early death in January 1990, at only 33-years-old.