Pierpaolo Cristofori

Before 1984, Italy had never won an Olympic medal in the modern pentathlon. But with 1982 World Champion Daniel Masala and the East Europeans missing due to the boycott, the Italians were suddenly favoured for the title in Los Angeles. Three-time Olympian Pierpaolo Cristofori was the third member of the Italian team, securing the gold medal with his 11th position individually.

Four years earlier, Cristofori’s job as a police officer nearly prevented Olympic participation. The government had forbidden military personnel to attend the Moscow Games, although the Italians did not boycott the Games. Cristofori took a leave of absence and competed as a civilian. Besides competing in the pentathlon sports, Cristofori was also an avid sailor, and he has competed in Mumm 30 World Championships.