ACOG - News - IBM

(24 July 1996; Day 5)

Italian Women Overcome More Than Physical Challenges

In a country where women are still considered the inferior species and challenged each day by gender differences, Italy's Lisa BERTINI and Martina ORZAN are defying the odds. Becoming one of the world's top lightweight double sculls crews and earning the right to compete against the best of the best in the Olympic Games is not the hardest task that has lain before the two women athletes. BERTINI and ORZAN must also defeat preconceived notions that being a female and an athlete is something not heard of in their homeland. But with the addition of the lightweight events to the Olympic rowing format, the two are showing their fellow countrymen that they will be heard.

"In Italy, rowing is not a sport for women. Many think rowing is for men only and that women become too big and strong if they row," said BERTINI. "We hope in the future this will change."

If this is to happen, it will be this duo that can do it. The crew advanced to the semifinals in the women's lightweight double sculls during their repechage on Wednesday. With a time of 6:59.06, the Italians edged out the three-time World Championship Canadian crew by nearly 4.5 seconds to finish first. But to bring female athletes to the forefront in Italy is a tough task.

"To do that you have to change a mentality," said Martina ORZAN. "That is difficult."

The lightweight crew, although supported by their fellow male team members, are still questioned about their choice to become a rower.

"Other rowers always ask us, 'Why don't you become a dancer or something. Why do you row?'" said BERTINI. "I just say, 'Because I like it. Why do you row?'"

The two women, who only started rowing together in the past year, keep an upbeat attitude about their situation and have been able to keep their concentration on competing. "Today was a very important race," said ORZAN. "After this race you either go or you don't. We were very happy with our race."

The Italians receive great support from their families despite the controversy surrounding their participation. "They are so happy and always crying for me," said BERTINI. In fact, ORZAN's family made the trip to the States to watch her compete. BERTINI, however, wanted her family to stay home. "I would be too excited if they were here," said BERTINI. "I am at peace right now."

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Lynne Bragg.


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The volunteer staff of the 1996 Olympic Games totaled 50,152. They worked an estimated 850,000 shifts.