Federico II, a naval engineering student, wins world gold in the ILCA Under-21 sailing championship.

From the classrooms of Naval Engineering to the top step of the world podium. Ginevra Caracciolo Di Brienza, a student at the Federico II University of Naples and a sailor for the Italian Naval League, won gold in the ILCA Under-21 World Championship, dominating a fiercely contested competition right down to the final rounds. This achievement combines athletic talent, discipline, and a parallel university education, becoming a tangible symbol of her dual career of studying and competing.

The World Championship was held in Lanzarote over twelve races, featuring a fleet of exceptionally high technical standards. Ginevra managed to close out the competition with one race to spare, securing the title in the penultimate race. It was a finale she faced with clarity and confidence, after days of tension and concentration. "It was a very tough competition, the level was very high," she said, "but when I learned I'd won with one race to spare, I really enjoyed the last one."

The sporting triumph was celebrated this morning in the Federico II Rector's Office, where Rector Matteo Lorito presented her with the medal created by the Italian State Mint to mark the 800th anniversary of the University's founding. This symbolic recognition ties a student's individual success to the history and identity of one of Europe's oldest universities. "In a year when Federico II is also involved in hosting the America's Cup in Naples, this extraordinary achievement fits perfectly with our Federico II Athlete program," Lorito stated. "Geneva is an example of how quality academics and strength in sports can grow together. This success makes us proud and confirms that culture and sport are two fundamental assets that must go hand in hand."

Enrolled in the three-year Naval Engineering program, Ginevra is part of the "Federico Athlete" program, established three years ago to support students competing at a high level in competitive sports. The program provides concrete tools to reconcile exams, training, and international competitions. "It's very complicated to balance these two things," the champion explained, "but this program helps me a lot because it allows me to move an exam if it coincides with a regatta or training session, so I can be prepared both at sea and at university."

The goal is now already shifting beyond the world title. The sights are set on the 2028 Olympics and, one day, the America's Cup regattas, perhaps even in their own home waters. Ambitious dreams, but firmly grounded in books and laboratories. This is the quality the University wants to enhance. "Federico II is committed to developing the individual, not just the graduate," emphasized Guido Iaccarino, University Sports Delegate. "We want well-rounded students, capable of expressing their calling even outside the classroom. In the case of sports, sacrifice and dedicated programs are needed to support a dual career. Ginevra demonstrates that success is possible both inside and outside of university."

Paola Del Giudice, extraordinary commissioner of CUS Napoli, was also present at the ceremony. She reiterated the value of the university-sport partnership as a training ground for life. Determination and resilience, she noted, are as crucial qualities as talent, and the young champion's journey demonstrates this. Naples applauds one of its athletes who is already looking to the future, with a boat in the water and an exam on the table, with no intention of abandoning either path.