Elio Morille

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameElio•Morille
Used nameElio•Morille
Born7 September 1927 in Alessandria, Alessandria (ITA)
Died21 June 1998 in Roma, Roma (ITA)
AffiliationsCanottieri Moto Guzzi, Mandello del Lario (ITA)
NOC Italy
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Elio Morille was an Italian rower who made his début at the Como international regatta in 1943 when he became an Italian junior champion. Morille started working at motorcycle manufacturer Moto Guzzi, where the historic coxless four crew was formed around 1943 and went on to win the European title in 1947. It was won through dedication of the four rowers practicing early every day before an 0830 start at the factory.

After finishing their preparation for the 1948 Olympics on Lake Varese, the quartet of Morille, Giuseppe Moioli, Giovanni Invernizzi, and Franco Faggi made their way to the waters of Henley where they captured the gold medal. It was one of the best coxless four crews in world rowing at that time, and the same four won the 1949 and 1950 European Championships, in Amsterdam and Milano respectively. Morille also won 12 Italian titles, and in honour of his rowing achievements was awarded a gold medal by the Italian Olympic Committee. After his death, his hometown of Alessandria dedicated a road to him.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1948 Summer Olympics Rowing ITA Elio Morille
Coxless Fours, Men (Olympic) Italy 1 Gold
1952 Summer Olympics Rowing ITA Elio Morille
Coxless Fours, Men (Olympic) Italy 2 h2 r4/5

Special Notes