Romeo Neri
Romeo Neri was born in Rimini in 1903.
His initial interest in sport developed while growing up in the Ligurian town of La Spezia, where he competed in swimming, and athletics.
In the 1920’s, having returned to Rimini, he discovered his real talent for gymnastics. He competed in his first Olympiad in 1925, in Amsterdam, coming fourth in his overall competition.
In 1932, at the Los Angeles Olympics, Neri had a double triumph, winning an individual gold medal, while the Italian team also won gold.
Several times Italian national champion, Neri while preparing for the 1936 Olympics suffered a serious injury which forced his retirement from competition. He retired, but continued an active interest in sport, running a gym in the post-war period.
Romeo Neri died in 1961. His sporting achievements recieved a permanent recognition when Rimini’s stadium was named after him.
