Nico Rode was an Italian sailor who partnered with Agostino Straulino for 20+ years starting in 1935. Together they won gold in the Star Class at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, adding a silver four years later in Melbourne. They also won three World titles (1952-53, 1956) and nine European Championships (1938, 1949-56). In 1947 Rode paired with Tito Nordio to add his 10th European title.
Born in Italian Istria in the city originally called Lussinpiccolo, Rode enlisted in the Navy, and in 1937 won the most important trophy in Norway, the King’s Cup. From 1938-59 he won eight national titles. In 1957 and 1959 Rode won his last international competitions in France and Germany, giving way to Carlo Rolandi, in 1960, at the Roma Games. In 2015, Vezia Rode published his father’s biography entitled Nico Rode e le Olimpiadi. Le 7 vite di un gatto magico.
Italy