Gianni Lonzi

Gianni Lonzi was an Italian water polo player who made his début in the Top League in 1954. He played for Rari Nantes Florentia and Camongli, but finally won an Italian title in 1962, playing with Pro Recco, and then repeated that victory in 1963.

With the national team, Lonzi débuted in 1958, and earned 121 caps, helping win the 1960 Olympic gold medal. He competed at the 1964 and 1968 Olympics and the 1958 and 1966 European Championships, placing fourth each time. In October 1969 he married the fencer Antonella Ragno-Lonzi.

After his playing days, Lonzi moved to the bench and in 1973 became the national coach. He led Italy to gold at the 1978 World Championships, silver at the 1976 Montréal Olympics, and bronze medals at the 1975 Worlds and 1976 European Championships. He was president of Rari Nantes Florentia from 1992-99.

In November 2018, Lonzi received a parchment from Firenze officials, noting that he had performed heroic acts to save many people during the Firenze flood of 4 November 1966. In 2009 he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.