Castellammare, the Olympic flame relay and the controversy surrounding the "forgotten medalists"

Castellammare – It was supposed to be a celebration of sport, a moment when the city of waters reconnected its history with the values ​​of Olympism. Instead, the passage of the Olympic flame risks leaving a trail of controversy as fiery as the fire of Olympia itself.

At the heart of the storm is the illustrious exclusion of those who honored that flame with sweat and real medals: Salvatore Amitrano and Catello Amarante.

The two champion rowers from Castellammare di Stabia, pillars of a tradition that has brought the name of Castellammare to the rooftops of the world, were left on the bench. Or rather, on the sidewalk, lost in the crowd.

No call, no invitation to carry the torch, despite a resume that speaks for itself: Amitrano, bronze at Athens 2004 in the lightweight "coxless four", and Amarante, veteran of multiple expeditions to the five-circle and multiple medalist at World and European Championships.
"The passing of the flame will be a celebration for everyone, and we will be there, among the crowd, cheering on the athletes," the two champions declared with a fair play that clashes with the treatment they received. But beneath their sporting elegance lies the hurt of those who feel forgotten by their homeland: "We regret that our names were never considered as possible torchbearers."
It's a polite but powerful accusation, pointing the finger at an organizational machine that was perhaps distracted, perhaps forgetful. "We don't know what the selection criteria were," the two athletes emphasize, highlighting the paradox of a city that celebrates the Olympic spirit while forgetting

of those who brought Castellammare to the true Olympus. "This could have been a wonderful opportunity to also remember us medal-winning athletes, inextricably linked to the name of the city and the tradition of rowing."
As the flame winds its way through the streets of Castellammare di Stabia, the absence of Amitrano and Amarante will weigh heavily. Their exclusion isn't just a personal slight, but a short-circuit in the sporting memory of a city that, too often, seems to forget its best players precisely at the moment of celebration.