# Pietro Mennea

> Italian sprinter and politician (1952–2013)

**Wikidata**: [Q5444](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5444)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pietro_Mennea)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pietro-mennea

## Summary
Pietro Mennea was an Italian sprinter and politician, best known for his record-breaking performances in the 200 meters, including winning the gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He held the world record in the 200 meters for 17 years and was also a member of the Italian Parliament, representing the European Parliament and the Italian Chamber of Deputies.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 28, 1952, in Barletta, Italy
- **Died**: March 21, 2013, in Rome, Italy
- **Nationality**: Italian
- **Education**: Studied law at the University of Bari, University of Salerno, and D'Annunzio University of Chieti–Pescara
- **Known for**: Olympic gold medalist in the 200 meters (1980), world record holder in the 200 meters (1979–1996), and member of the Italian Parliament
- **Employer(s)**: Italian Chamber of Deputies, European Parliament
- **Field(s)**: Athletics (sprinting), politics

## Contributions
Pietro Mennea made significant contributions to the world of athletics and politics. In athletics, he set the world record in the 200 meters in 1979 with a time of 19.72 seconds, a record that stood for 17 years until it was broken by Michael Johnson in 1996. He won the gold medal in the 200 meters at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, becoming one of Italy's most celebrated athletes. Mennea also won multiple medals at the European Championships and the Mediterranean Games.

In politics, Mennea served as a member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies and the European Parliament. He was known for his advocacy on issues related to sports and youth development. His political career complemented his athletic achievements, making him a prominent figure in both fields.

## FAQs
**What was Pietro Mennea's most notable athletic achievement?**
Pietro Mennea's most notable athletic achievement was winning the gold medal in the 200 meters at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He also set the world record in the 200 meters in 1979, which stood for 17 years.

**Where did Pietro Mennea study?**
Pietro Mennea studied law at the University of Bari, University of Salerno, and D'Annunzio University of Chieti–Pescara.

**What political roles did Pietro Mennea hold?**
Pietro Mennea served as a member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies and the European Parliament, where he advocated for sports and youth development.

**What was Pietro Mennea's world record time in the 200 meters?**
Pietro Mennea set the world record in the 200 meters with a time of 19.72 seconds in 1979, which remained unbroken for 17 years.

**What is Pietro Mennea's legacy?**
Pietro Mennea's legacy is that of one of Italy's greatest athletes, known for his record-breaking performances in the 200 meters and his contributions to politics. His achievements in both fields have made him a national icon.

## Why They Matter
Pietro Mennea's impact on athletics and politics is profound. His record-breaking performances in the 200 meters inspired a generation of sprinters and elevated Italy's status in international athletics. His political career furthered his influence, allowing him to advocate for sports and youth development on a broader scale. Mennea's legacy is a testament to the power of dedication and versatility, showing that excellence in one field can translate into meaningful contributions in another.

## Notable For
- Olympic gold medalist in the 200 meters (1980)
- World record holder in the 200 meters (1979–1996)
- Member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies
- Member of the European Parliament
- Advocate for sports and youth development

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Pietro Mennea was born on June 28, 1952, in Barletta, Italy. He studied law at the University of Bari, University of Salerno, and D'Annunzio University of Chieti–Pescara, where he developed a strong academic foundation that would later complement his athletic and political careers.

### Athletic Career
Mennea's athletic career began in the late 1960s, and he quickly rose to prominence as a sprinter. In 1979, he set the world record in the 200 meters with a time of 19.72 seconds, a record that stood for 17 years. His crowning achievement came at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the 200 meters, becoming one of Italy's most celebrated athletes. Mennea also won multiple medals at the European Championships and the Mediterranean Games, solidifying his status as a legendary sprinter.

### Political Career
In addition to his athletic achievements, Mennea served as a member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies and the European Parliament. His political career allowed him to advocate for sports and youth development, furthering his influence beyond the track. Mennea's dual roles as an athlete and politician made him a unique and respected figure in Italy.

### Legacy
Pietro Mennea's legacy is that of one of Italy's greatest athletes and a dedicated public servant. His record-breaking performances in the 200 meters inspired a generation of sprinters, and his political career allowed him to make meaningful contributions to sports and youth development. Mennea's life and achievements continue to be celebrated in Italy and around the world.

## References

1. Olympedia
2. Members of the European Parliament
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Find a Grave
5. World Athletics database
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Library of Congress Control Number
8. [Source](http://www.gbrathletics.com/nc/ita.htm)
9. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line