Born: 1954
Biography:
Novella Calligaris (born 27 December 1954) is a retired Italian swimmer who made history as the first Italian to win an Olympic medal in swimming. She was born into a family with a strong swimming background, as her elder brother Mauro Calligaris was also an Olympic swimmer. Novella’s passion for swimming was ignited at a young age, and she dedicated herself to the sport, becoming a trailblazer for Italian women in the swimming world.
At just 13 years old, Novella made her debut at the 1968 Olympics, competing in the 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle events. Although she did not advance past the heats, this experience fueled her determination to succeed. By the age of 14, she had already set her first European record, showcasing her immense talent and potential.
Novella’s breakthrough moment came at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, where she defied all expectations and emerged as a medalist in every event she competed in. She won a silver medal in the 400m freestyle, a bronze in the 800m freestyle, and another bronze in the 400m individual medley. Her outstanding performance at the Olympics catapulted her to the forefront of Italian swimming and marked a significant milestone for women in the sport.
The following year, Novella made history once again at the inaugural FINA World Championships in Belgrade. On 9 September 1973, she swam a remarkable 8:52.97 in the 800m freestyle event, setting a new world record and clinching a well-deserved gold medal. In the same competition, she also secured a bronze medal in both the 400m freestyle and 400m individual medley. Novella’s achievements cemented her status as a world-class athlete and a force to be reckoned with in the swimming community.
In addition to her international success, Novella also had remarkable performances at the European Championships. In 1974, she won two medals, a silver in the 800m freestyle and a bronze in the 400m freestyle. These accolades served as a testament to her consistency and excellence in the sport.
Despite achieving unprecedented success, Novella’s career came to an end shortly after the European Championships. However, she continued to contribute to the sport by coaching swimming and working with the junior national team in Rome during the 1980s. Her dedication to nurturing young talents demonstrated her commitment to the growth and development of swimming in Italy.
Throughout her illustrious career, Novella Calligaris won a staggering 76 national titles and set a remarkable 82 national and 21 European records. Her accomplishments surpassed all expectations and solidified her place in Italian and international swimming history.
Notably, until Federica Pellegrini’s second-place finish in the 200m freestyle at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Novella remained the only Italian woman to have won an Olympic medal in swimming. Her influence and groundbreaking achievements inspired a new generation of Italian female swimmers, proving that women could excel in traditionally male-dominated sports.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the world of swimming, Novella Calligaris was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1986. Her induction serves as a lasting testament to her unparalleled skill, dedication, and impact on the sport.
Awards:
– Olympic Games: 1972 silver (400m freestyle), bronze (800m freestyle, 400m individual medley)
– World Records: 1 (1973: 800m freestyle)
– World Championships: 1973 gold (800m freestyle), bronze (400m freestyle, 400m individual medley)
– European Championships: 1974 silver (800m freestyle), bronze (400m freestyle)
– 1970 bronze (800m freestyle)
– Italian Championships: 36 (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m freestyle; 200m backstroke; 200m butterfly; 200m, 400m individual medley)