The Italian Karate athletes who claimed medals at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 today received one of the highest honours in the country.
Luigi Busa and Viviana Bottaro were honoured with the top awards of the Republic for their success at the Olympic event. The two karatekas received the recognition from the Federation President Domenico Falcone on behalf of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella at an event which was held at the Olympic Centre in Ostia.
Tokyo 2020 Gold medallist Luigi Busa was named Commander of the Republic while Bronze medallist Viviana Bottaro received the title of Knight of the Republic.
“Thanks to the President of the Republic Mattarella and the President of the Council Draghi for this honour that fills me with pride,” stated Viviana Bottaro on social media.
“It is a recognition that will remain with me forever,” pointed out Luigi Busa on Instagram.
Luigi Busa won the Olympic gold medal in Male Kumite -75kg after defeating Rafael Aghayev of Azerbaijan in the final. Meanwhile, Viviana Bottaro claimed the Olympic bronze medal after edging Sakura Kokumai of the USA in the bronze medal bout.
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