Alex Buscemi
Being sponsored by cheese is the most Italian thing a gymnast could do (short of falling off the uneven bars and shouting “Mama mia!”).
It sounds like a joke poking fun at Italians, but it’s 100% true: Italian gymnast Giorgia Villa is sponsored by parmesan cheese. Not a specific brand of parmesan cheese. Just parmesan cheese in general. Amazing.
Her partnership with Parmigiano Reggiano, the trade name for authentic parmesan cheese, began in 2021 and has seen Villa posing with giant cheese wheels.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Villa’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. She played a crucial role in helping Italy secure a silver medal in the team competition.
Her routines on the vault, uneven bars, and balance beam showcased her remarkable skills and resilience, particularly after missing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to an injury.
Villa’s story has captivated the internet, with many fans expressing envy over her cheesy sponsorship and admiration for her tenacity.
The blend of humor and high-level athleticism has made her a beloved figure both on social media and in the gymnastics community.
Her journey to Paris was marked by determination. After an ankle injury kept her out of the Tokyo Games, Villa bounced back, securing top spots in various competitions leading up to the Olympics.
Her contributions to Italy’s gymnastics team have been significant, including a surprise bronze at the 2019 World Championships and multiple golds at European events.
The sponsorship with Parmigiano Reggiano has added a quirky, relatable element to Villa’s public persona. Social media is filled with playful comments and memes celebrating this unique pairing, making Villa not just an athletic star but a cultural one too.
It’s not every day you see an Olympian endorsing cheese, and Villa has embraced this with a sense of humor and pride that resonates with fans worldwide.
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