A recent stroll down the Via Veneto brought us face-to-face with this swim-goggle-sporting mass of marble whom we recognized as one of the athletes that embellish the Foro Italico, Mussolini’s sports complex on the north side of Rome. As we’ve discussed before, these marble gods stand around the track and the tennis courts showing off their fine physiques and providing inspiration for those who labor below.
Closer examination of the commentary below this marble god of water reminded us that Rome will be hosting the World Swim Championships this summer, from 17 July-2 August, a competition that will include the standard laps-in-the-pool kind of races, as well as diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo.
As with most major sporting events in the Eterna, the swim-fest will be held at the Foro Italico, a giant sport complex on the north edge of Rome constructed in the 1930s. Originally known as the Forum of Mussolini, the complex was conceived as a temple dedicated to the Fascist cult of athleticism.
Thus extraordinarily lovely indoor and outdoor pools at the Foro Italico, now quite aged, are being restored to their original splendor (we hope). There can be little doubt theose responsible are in a mad dash to complete the work before the events kick-off in a month or so, but we’re glad they were able to find the time to deck out one of the marble monoliths in a pair of super-cool swim googles.
