Mimmo Ognio was an Italian water polo player who competed on the “Settebello”, which is the Italian term for their national water polo team. Also a top swimmer, he competed for Lazio SC, and in 1939 and 1940 won the Italian title in the 1,500 metre freestyle. In 1940 and 1945 he helped his club win the national 4x200 free relay championship.
Ognio was at his best, however, with the Settebello, helping them win the 1947 European Championship and the 1948 Olympic gold medal. He also helped Italy to a fourth place at the 1950 Europeans and won another Olympic medal with a bronze in the 1952 water polo tournament. Ognio later became a coach, helping his Roma club win the Italian water polo title. He also became an international referee. Ognio was awarded the Gold Medal of the Italian Olympic Committee for his water polo achievements.