Fiona May: From Olympic Glory to a Voice Against Racism in Italy
Fiona May, the British-born Italian long jumper, remains one of the most celebrated athletes in Italian sports history. Born in Slough on December 12, 1969, May initially competed for Great Britain before switching allegiance to Italy in 1994. Over her illustrious career, she won two world championship titles in the long jump (Gothenburg 1995 and Edmonton 2001), two Olympic silver medals, and a world indoor title, among many other accolades. Her personal best of 7.11 meters, set in 1998, still stands as a testament to her extraordinary talent. After retiring in 2005, May transitioned into acting and has remained a prominent public figure in Italy.
Recently, May has made headlines not for her athletic achievements but for her outspoken comments on racism in Italy. In a newspaper interview with Corriere della Sera, following her daughter Larissa Iachipino’s fourth-place finish in the long jump at the Paris Olympics, May expressed deep concern about the country’s social climate. She stated, “Italy has gone backwards 20 years. Twenty years ago there wasn’t all this racism.” Her remarks highlight a troubling trend, as she contrasts the relative acceptance she felt during her competitive years with the rising intolerance she perceives today. May’s perspective is particularly poignant given her own experience as a Black athlete who represented Italy with pride, and her words have sparked widespread debate about the nation’s progress on racial issues.
Beyond her concerns, May has also been a vocal supporter of Italian athletes, especially women. At the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, she praised the performances of the Italian female athletes, calling their results “historic” and lauding their strength, talent, and intelligence. She emphasized that these women, whether mothers or not, have shown exceptional dedication and team spirit. Alongside her, Patrick Stevens echoed her sentiments, noting that Italy’s success has evoked envy from other nations. May’s dual role as a critic and a cheerleader underscores her deep connection to her adopted country, where she has lived for over three decades.
Fiona May’s legacy extends far beyond the track. As a former world champion, she used her platform to address critical social issues, while also celebrating
Shimanta Das 
