Orlando Polmonari

Orlando Polmonari started in gymnastics in 1938 but was soon stopped by the war. He was deported to Germany during World War II after slapping a German officer and was imprisoned for six years. On his return he resumed gymnastics and helped Italy to a team silver medal at the 1951 Mediterranean Games, improving to the gold in 1955. In 1955 he also was fourth individually on pommelled horse at the Mediterranean Games. The highlight of his career was helping Italy to the team bronze at the 1960 Roma Olympics. Outside of gymnastics Polmonari worked in the cultural world, teaching painting.