Donata Govoni

Donata Govoni was an Italian sprinter and middle-distance runner. Coached by Luciano Martelli, she began her career as a 100-200 metre sprinter, winning multiple Italian titles – seven in the 100 (1961-63, 1965-67, 1969) and five in the 200 (1961, 1963, 1965-67). In the 1960s and 70s she set Italian records in the 400 and 800 metres, with 53.2 for 400 at Bucareşti on 2 August 1970 and 2:03.9 in Torino on 2 June 1971. She won seven Italian titles in the 400 metres (1966-69, 1971, 1973-75) and two at 800 (1970, 1972).

Govoni competed at four European Championships with a best finish of fifth in the 400 at Athens in 1969 and twice competed at the Olympics (1968, 1972). She earned 49 international caps from 1961-75. Govoni was considered a natural talent who did not always do the demanding training required of a world-class athlete.

Personal Bests: 400 – 53.2 (1970); 800 – 2:03.9 (1971).