The finish line felt miles away, a torment of aching muscles and burning lungs. As I strained to keep pace during a ten-kilometer race walk in the late 1970s near Cremona, a voice cut through the haze of exhaustion. A simple encouragement – “Vai che hai la gamba!” (“Go, you’ve got the leg!”) – from a tall figure on the sidelines. It was a fleeting moment, yet it carried a weight far beyond the immediate race. Later, my coach revealed the source of that inspiration: Giuseppe Dordoni, known affectionately as Pino, then the technical director of the national team.
Dordoni’s two words resonated more powerfully than any medal could have. He represented a generation of Italian athletes whose dedication and triumphs often went unnoticed, overshadowed by more glamorous sports. His story, and that of many like him, speaks to a quiet heroism – a commitment to discipline, sacrifice, and humility that defined Italian athletics in the post-war era. It’s a legacy that risks fading into obscurity, particularly for those who competed in disciplines like race walking, historically considered the “Cinderella” of track and field.
A Champion Lost to Time
Giuseppe Dordoni was more than just a technical director offering encouragement from the sidelines. He was a champion himself – an Olympic gold medalist, a European champion, and a multiple-time Italian national champion. His impeccable style and unwavering dedication earned him international acclaim. Yet, as the original article notes, his memory has dimmed, a consequence of the sport’s limited visibility. Race walking, unlike its more popular counterparts, rarely captures the public imagination, receiving attention primarily during the Olympic Games – and even then, only when medals are won. Cremona Sportiva, the athletics club Dordoni was associated with, continues to nurture young talent, but the struggle for recognition persists.
This lack of recognition isn’t unique to race walking. Many sports demand immense sacrifice and unwavering commitment without garnering widespread attention. The discipline required – the dedication, the endurance, the humility – often feels out of step with modern values. The race walker, meticulously alternating heel and toe with each stride, lacks the perceived “epic” quality of a cyclist battling mountain climbs. Yet, as the author eloquently points out, race walking is a potent metaphor for life itself.
“Marcia o Muori”: The Spirit of Perseverance
The phrase “Marcia o Muori” (“March or Die”), the motto of the French Foreign Legion, encapsulates the essence of this spirit. It’s a call to relentless perseverance, a refusal to surrender in the face of adversity. Throughout history, people have marched – fleeing famine, persecution, and seeking new destinies, often fraught with peril. The race walker embodies this same unwavering determination, knowing that the finish line won’t be greeted with fanfare, cheering crowds, or substantial rewards. Even victory offers little in the way of glory.
The discipline of race walking, the author suggests, is akin to an ascetic practice, one that exists outside the glare of the spotlight. It’s a solitary pursuit, demanding a focus on the present moment and a deep understanding of one’s own limits. This introspective quality sets it apart from other sports, where external validation often takes precedence.
Remembering Abdon Pamich and a Legacy of Resilience
Recently, the life and career of another Italian race walking legend, Abdon Pamich, were brought to the forefront with a film produced by RAI, the Italian national broadcaster. The Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) highlights Cremona Sportiva’s continued commitment to the sport, showcasing a roster of young athletes carrying on the tradition. The film, aired on “Il Giorno del Ricordo” (Remembrance Day), focused not only on Pamich’s athletic achievements but also on his harrowing experience as a refugee from Fiume (now Rijeka, Croatia). This connection underscores the resilience and determination that characterized many Italian athletes in the post-war period, shaped by the hardships and displacement of that era.
Today, while running enjoys widespread popularity, race walking remains a niche discipline. The author observes a tendency to “run” through life without a clear sense of direction, a metaphor for a society increasingly disconnected from its roots. Perhaps, he suggests, embracing the slower, more deliberate pace of walking – both literally and figuratively – could aid us rediscover a sense of purpose and clarity.
The stories of Giuseppe Dordoni and Abdon Pamich serve as a powerful reminder of the unsung heroes of Italian athletics. Their dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit embody the values of perseverance and humility. As Cremona Sportiva continues to nurture the next generation of race walkers, it’s crucial to remember and celebrate the legacy of those who paved the way, ensuring that their contributions are not forgotten. What will it take to elevate race walking and other underappreciated sports into the national consciousness, and to honor the athletes who dedicate their lives to them?
Share your thoughts on the importance of recognizing all athletes, regardless of their sport, in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going.
