Jury Chechi

Jury Chechi, named after cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, was the dominant gymnast on the rings for the much of the 1990s. He won five consecutive world titles on the rings (1993-1997) as well as four European titles (1990-1996) and six Italian championships. One of the top favourites at the Barcelona Olympics, a torn Achilles tendon shortly before the Games prevented him from taking part. He took revenge in Atlanta, becoming the first Italian in 32 years to win a gold medal in gymnastics. Chechi retired in 1997, but returned two years later to participate in the Sydney Games. A biceps injury again prevented him from competing, but Chechi made a second comeback in 2003. He did successfully compete in the Athens Games, winning a bronze medal. He then retired permanently, and focused on a career in regional politics. He received in 1995 the Gold Collar for Sporting Merit from the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).