There is no need to bring back the image of Tommy Smith and John Carlos on the podium in Mexico City at the 1968 Olympics. No gloved hand, no raised fist, no bowed head, even though the gesture caused a stir, because it is unusual to see female or male athletes receive a medal and then remove it from their neck and gently place it on the podium. A gesture that is in some ways subtle, harmonious, but laden with meaning: this medal does not belong to us. This medal is a consolation prize, because it is silver and we deserved gold.

I will not comment on the protest by Emma Cocca and Emma Marinini shown at the recent youth track cycling championships held at the Enzo Sacchi velodrome in Florence, as I was not there. I have absolutely no idea whether there were irregularities in the women's junior Madison race. The victory went to the Emilia Romagna pair, to whom the jury awarded a lap gained from the pair Teodora Castelli and Ginevra Sambi.

That the Lombard girls took it badly is understandable. Their reaction was resolute but composed. The shame, because shame is what we must talk about, is the unruly and indecorous reaction from managers and accompanying staff who became protagonists of a farce worthy of the worst Italian comedy. Screams, shouts and near-brawls over nothing. The heat does not help, we know that, but regional presidents who, instead of restoring calm and soothing tempers, set themselves up as popular leaders and revolutionary champions in the name of justice seem at least embarrassing to us. Their behavior not only lacked sportsmanship, but was also highly inappropriate.

Today it is difficult to get girls and boys on bicycles, because ours is a tiring and dangerous sport, but would you entrust your children (as they would say right there in Florence) to certain managers, to certain coaches?