Gildo Arena was one of the top scorers for the Italian water polo squad. During the London Games, he scored 13 goals, including four in the two medal round matches against Hungary and the Netherlands. Credited as the inventor of the “beduina”, a back hand shot, Arena also won the 1947 European Championships with Italy, and six Italian titles. He won the first five (1939, 1941, 1942, 1949, 1950) with Rari Nantes of Naples, but then switched to rival Canottieri Napoli for his sixth (1951). “They gave me a car, a Fiat 500 and money, 500,000 lire, to change teams. I was the first water polo professional.” He was not considered a pro by FINA and was allowed to compete at the 1952 Olympics. Gildo Arena was also an excellent swimmer, and he won two Italian titles each in 100 m, 200 m and 4 x 200 m freestyle. Gildo Arena was awarded the Gold Medal of the Italian Olympic Committee for his water polo achievements.
Italy