Sergio Ottolina

Sergio Ottolina was an impressive sprinter, with an exuberant personality. Coached by Angelo Ferrario, he was third in the 200 metres at the 1962 European Championships behind the Swede Owe Jonsson and the Polish Olympic medallist Marian Foik. Ottolina obtained his best result on 21 June 1964 in Saarbrücken when he broke the Italian and European record, recording 20.4. He later finished eighth at the Tokyo Olympic final and helped Italy to a seventh-place finish in the 4×100 relay. On 9 May 1965, Ottolina improved the Italian 400 metre record with 46.2 in Sassari.

Ottolina was twice Italian champion in both the 100 (1963, 1964) and 200 metres (1964, 1966). At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics he was eliminated in the heats of the 400 with 46.7 but ran both relays, as Italy finished seventh in both. Ottolina was a member of the Italian national team from 1960-68 during which time he represented his country 28 times.

Due to a motorcycle accident, Ottolina retired from active competition shortly before the 1972 München Olympics. In 1976 he tried to compete at the Winter Olympics in the four-man bobsleigh but did not make the Italian team, placing only third at the national championships.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.3 (1962); 200 – 20.4 (1964); 400 – 46.2 (1965).