Olympic Games 2024 - Medal winner Giorgia Villa is also a model for Parmesan
Some Olympic Successes Come with Their Own Quirks
The Italian gymnast Giorgia Villa and her teammates Angela Andreoli, Alice D'Amato, Manila Esposito, and Elisa Iorio took home the silver medal in the team all-around competition. This is Italy's first medal in this event in 96 years.
Nicknamed the "Blue Fairies," the team only fell short to the powerhouse team led by U.S. superstar Simone Biles. Now, their impressive feat has spawned some amusing side effects, particularly with Villa's unique sponsor stealing the spotlight.
Giorgia Villa Sponsored by Parmesan Cheese
Since 2021, Villa has been sponsored by the official consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese producers. Italian photographer Gabriele Seghizzi captured images of Villa practicing her sport, often accompanied by the protected cheese from the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, parts of Bologna, and parts of Mantua. These images have gained worldwide attention, not just on social media, but also in renowned publications like the New York Times, Time Magazine, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated.
Supporting athletes is nothing new for the cheese consortium. They say, "Rich in protein, suitable for sports, and naturally lactose-free, Reggiano Parmigiano gives you what you need, with a little extra love!" Villa herself referred to the cheese as her "best friend" when she first presented the images in 2021.
The 21-year-old is creative with her cheese content, regularly posting stories and images featuring Italy's round pride on social media.
Check out some of Gabriele Seghizzi's photos in the gallery.
Villa's sponsorship deal with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, known for its high fat content, has led to an unexpected focus on the product's role in her training. Other athletes have expressed interest in understanding if Reggiano Parmigiano, by weight, could provide similar benefits in their own training regimens.
Despite the team's silver medal win, it's Villa's unique sponsorship and her creative representation of the cheese in her posts that has garnered more attention, often overshadowing the team's achievements.
