A view looking towards the Eugenio Monti track.
Fair Play Committee Remembers Eugenio Monti
by Philip Barker at the Eugenio Monti track in Cortina D’Ampezzo
The International Committee for Fair Play have paid tribute to the legendary Italian bobsledder Eugenio Monti in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The renovated run used for sliding competitions in these Games has been re-named in his honour and his daughter Amanda sent a message to a special celebration of his life at the German House in Cortina.
“It is my hope that the new bobsleigh track in Cortina will ignite passion and curiosity in the younger generation, inspire new athletes to discover this beautiful sport, and continue to promote the spirit of friendship and respect that my father embraced so deeply,” said Amanda Monti.
International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) President Sunil Sarbharwal presented a commemorative trophy and diploma to Bob Club Cortina President Gianfranco Rezzadore in recognition of Monti’s “extraordinary example of sportsmanship, integrity and solidarity.”
Monti was the first winner of the International Fair Play award after a famous episode at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck.
He gave a replacement bolt to his greatest rivals, the British pair Tony Nash and Robin Dixon to enable them to continue in the competition.
Nash and Dixon went on to win gold and Monti’s Italian crew eventually finished in bronze.
Eugenio Monti’s moment in 1964 was more than a gesture; it was a defining pivot for international sport,” said Sarbharwal.
“As President of the CIFP, my mission is to ensure this legacy is not just remembered, but transformed. We want the next generation of athletes to see that true meaning in sport comes from respect. By embedding these values today, we ensure that the youth of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games and beyond understand that winning with honor is the only way to truly win.” He added.
“Cortina has an extraordinary bobsleigh heritage, and one of its most distinguished ones, Eugenio Monti, showed the world in an iconic moment of fair play that sport is competition – not a fight – and that we must also learn to accept defeat,” said International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation President Ivo Ferriani.
“Values and fair play must always form the foundation of our sport.”
Five-time bobsleigh Olympian Prince Albert of Monaco, Prince Nora of Liechtenstein, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Auvita Rapilla and Johan Eliasch represented the International Olympic Committee at the event.
Monti did eventually become Olympic Champion in 1968. He won gold in both two-man and four-man bob at the Grenoble Winter Games.
Monti died in 2003 after suffering for many years from Parkinson’s Disease.
Eugenio Monti’s racing gear is currently on display at a Cortina restaurant owned by Giorgio Ghedina, a longtime family friend.
The Italian state television channel RAI have also premiered “Rosso Volante” a drama telling the story of Monti starring actor Giorgio Pasotti.
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