Sofia RAFFAELI

Sofia Raffaeli's early years and mentorship under Julieta Cantaluppi

Conveying emotion has been her mantra since her younger years. Born in Chiaravalle, in the province of Ancona, Italy, Raffaeli began practising artistic gymnastics at four but fell in love with rhythmic gymnastics at seven and switched disciplines.

She began training at the Fabriano Gymnastics Society, where she got the nickname 'Atomic Ant' due to her small size and explosive energy. Her coach Julieta Cantaluppi was a seven-time national champion and one of her idols, who was part of the Italian team at the London 2012 Games.

Spending up to eight hours in the gym became the norm for the young Raffaeli.

"I realised I had to do this in life, putting aside school, friends, everything. But for me, it was never a sacrifice because if you have passion, you will never feel the burden of a sacrifice," the Italian explained to Olympics.com

Sofia Raffaeli: Breakthrough and world medals

The gymnast had her breakthrough at the 2019 Junior World Championships, winning two individual silver medals and team silver with Italy. She finished third on her senior debut at the Italian nationals in late 2020.

But, despite finishing fourth in the all-around and securing silver in hoop and ribbon at the 2021 World Cup in Tashkent, the Italian sensation was overlooked for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Italian selectors opted for the more experienced Milena Baldassarri and Alexandra Agiurgiuculese.

Raffaeli made a strong comeback in October 2021 at the Grand Prix Final in Marbella, Spain, clinching apparatus gold in the clubs. Additionally, she secured hoop bronze and team silver at the World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan.

Sofia Raffaeli: Soaring to new heights

In 2022, Raffaeli's career soared to new heights. Following an impressive World Cup campaign with golds in Athens, Baku, and Pesaro, she made history by becoming Italy's first European rhythmic gymnastics champion in Tel Aviv, securing titles in the hoop and clubs. Adding to her achievements, she claimed gold in clubs and silver in hoop and ball at the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama.

Then, at the World Championships in Sofia, the 18-year-old was head and shoulders above the competition, clinching gold in the individual all-around, hoop, ball, and ribbon, and helping her nation to the team all-around title. Her near-flawless week saw also win bronze in clubs.

Refusing to rest on her laurels, Raffaeli continues to push the boundaries of music and choreography. Her memorable and inspirational 2023 hoop routine is just a glimpse of the imaginative performances she has in store, setting the stage for her potential Olympic debut in Paris 2024.