Mario Bruzzone

In addition to being a wealthy lawyer Mario Bruzzone was an active member of the Yacht Club Italiano in Genova. Mario and his brother, Attilio, competed in multiple races in the Ligurian Sea throughout the 1920s. Despite having little success, his experience in yacht racing became invaluable, resulting in him being selected to compete at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Bruzzone was part of the six-man Italian crew that sailed in the 8 metres open event in Zuiderzee. After failing to finish in the opening race, the Italians then placed second in race two, before suffering another DNF, followed by a disqualification. In races five and six they placed fifth and third, respectively, to tie for fourth overall with Norway.

Bruzzone continued to compete in sailing events after the Olympics, winning several regattas. In 1936 he was initially included on a list of Olympic hopefuls for the Games in Berlin, but was ultimately not selected. It was a double-blow for Bruzzone, as the Italian 8 metres crew went on to win gold. Sadly, he was only 43-years-old when he died in September 1940.