The weightlifter won bronze at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics but was sentenced to prison (Image: Getty)
An Olympic medal-winning weightlifter has been jailed after a shocking case of gang rape of a 27-year-old woman was exposed. Italy’s Antonino Pizzolato, 29, won bronze at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, but was on Monday (July 6) sentenced to five years and four months in prison for gang raping a Finnish tourist four years ago.
Three other defendants, Davide Lupo, 31, Claudio Tutino, 35, and Stefano Mongiovì, 30, all from Agrigento, were also convicted and got the same term. The four were reported by the tourist who said she was raped in Trapani on July 22, 2022. The disgraced Olympian is also a multiple European champion and former world record holder.
Pizzolato was sentenced to five years and four months in prison (Image: Getty Images)
A judicial panel presided over by Judge Franco Messina rejected the defence’s arguments and ordered damages to be awarded to the 27-year-old victim, who acted as a civil claimant in the proceedings. The prosecution had originally requested a 10-year sentence for all four defendants.
The claimant’s legal team, led by Nicola Pellegrino and Valentina Morici, expressed deep satisfaction with the court’s decision.
“The Court’s ruling represents an important step in a painful and delicate matter,” Ms Pellegrino stated. “This is a decision we welcome with respect and profound satisfaction, because it restores the focus to the voice of the injured party, to their pain, their dignity, and the courage with which they faced the trial.”
She noted that while no victory can erase the victim’s suffering, “the State has provided a clear response.” The civil defence will review the court’s formal filing of reasons once available and will continue to follow the case with strict determination, particularly as the defence lawyers have already announced their intention to appeal.
The assault took place in Sicily, Italy, in July 2022 (Image: Getty)
The assault took place during the night of July 21 to 22, 2022, while the victim was on vacation in Sicily. After spending the evening in Trapani’s historic centre and seafront venues with friends, the victim chose to continue the night with a group of four Italian men at a local residence, while her friends returned to their hotel.
According to the trial reconstruction, the situation escalated when the woman noticed one of the defendants, Davide Lupo, filming her without permission while she kissed another member of the group. She demanded the video be deleted.
The prosecution detailed that the abuse began after this confrontation. The victim testified that she later fell asleep on a couch and awoke in a state of shock, choosing not to resist out of sheer fear. The violence only stopped when she insisted on being taken back to her apartment. The victim reported the assault to the Carabinieri the following day.
The defendants’ lawyers have announced they will appeal the case.
If you have been affected by any themes in this story, you can call Rape Crisis for free 24 hours a day on 0808 500 2222. You can also visit the website to start a free online chat.
