Italian swimmer Rachele Bruni on Monday
dedicated her Olympic medal to her girlfriend.
Bruni won the silver medal in the 10 km
marathon at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, coming in
second behind Sharon van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands.
“I dedicate this victory to my
family, my coach and my beloved, who have followed and supported me,”
she told reporters, a reference to her girlfriend Diletta Faina, who
was in Rio to watch Bruni compete.
Bruni was later asked about what it was
like being the only publicly out athlete on Team Italy.
“I've always lived naturally, without
problems,” she
answered. “I've never done a big coming out. Undoubtedly
there are people who have too many prejudices, but I live peacefully.
I do not think about the prejudices. I live for myself, for my
passion for swimming and for the people who love me.”