There is a historical truth to be re-established. The first Italian standard-bearer at the Olympics is an Emilian who lived and died in Cagliari. His name was Pietro Bragaglia and at the 1908 London Games, the fourth edition of the modern Olympics. On July 13, 1908, although not competing, the gymnast was designated to carry the flag. In reality, the CONI (and the IOC) tend to recognize Alberto Braglia, gold in London and therefore blue standard bearer of Stockholm 1912, as the first standard-bearer, also because Bragaglia was said to be 18 years old. This error (in reality he had 29) created the misunderstanding.
His family, who still lives in Cagliari, where Pietro (born in 1878 and died in 1956) is buried next to his wife, however has documents proving that he was the standard-bearer and the Azzurri d'Italia association has taken action to restore historical truth.
A ceremony took place today at the San Michele cemetery, preceded by a mass, in which Pietro Bragaglia's great-grandchildren and a representation of the Italian Azzurri participated , with president Sandro Spinetti at the head. Among them also Angelo Zucca (also a blue at the Olympics in gymnastics) and the other gymnast Myosotis Massidda. Blue flowers were placed on the tomb and the commitment was reiterated to ensure that Pietro Bragaglia's role is soon recognized also by the Italian Olympic Committee.
