Francesco Pretti

Born in Cagliari on the island of Sardinia but from a family of Emilian origin, Francesco Pretti took part in the 50 km race walk at the 1932 Los Angeles and 1948 London Olympics but failed to finish either time. On 24 August 1930 Pretti competed in the military formation of the Volunteer Militia for National Security (MSVN) and won his only Italian title in Salsomaggiore in the 50 km. In September 1934, in Roma, he became the first Italian record holder in the 50 km with 4-39:36.0.

In 1948 Pretti was one of the founders of the National Association of Athletes Azzurri d’Italia (now the National Association of Olympic Athletes and Azzurri d’Italia) of which he was also the first President. In 1958 he organized the first cycling Tour of Sardinia for professional riders, which was won by the French cyclist Antonin Rolland.

Personal Best: 50kmW – 4-36:42 (1948).