89-Year-Old 'King of Volunteers' to Shine in Olympic Closing Ceremony
Mario Gargiulo has returned to the Olympics a remarkable 70 years after his first visit, now as the Games' oldest volunteer, earning the title "King of the Volunteers." The 89-year-old will take the stage in a starring role at the closing ceremony in Verona on Sunday, capping off an incredible journey that began with the 1956 Cortina Winter Games.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Adventures
When Gargiulo traveled to the 1956 Cortina Winter Games as a 20-year-old from Naples, it was his first solo trip north of Rome. He could only afford a room without heat, sleeping in all his clothing layers. The village, now a luxury resort known as "Queen of the Dolomites," was then a quiet, little-known spot for Italy's elite. Gargiulo was astounded by the international flags and diverse crowds, realizing that sport is a common tie for everyone. He enjoyed figure skating and speedskating so much that he later honeymooned there with his American wife.
After marrying, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving a 27-year career that took him across the U.S., Korea, Vietnam, Germany, and Russia, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1994. His language skills and globetrotting life embody the Olympic spirit, making him a fitting symbol for the Games.
Unexpected Role as the Oldest Volunteer
Gargiulo was among the first of 18,000 volunteers to sign up for the 2026 Olympics. Initially disappointed when assigned to Verona instead of traveling to Cortina or Milan, he wrote to organizers urging reconsideration. They responded with a different plan, offering him an exceptional role. At the first volunteer meeting in Verona, he stood out among the 20- and 25-year-olds, but his enthusiasm shone through.
This month, he followed events like Italian Alpine skier Federica Brignone's super-G victory, just 10 months after she broke multiple bones in her left leg, as well as speedskating and freestyle skiing. Reflecting on his journey, Gargiulo said, "To be part of it is incredible. I'll wake up tomorrow and I'll be wondering what happened to me. It's beyond imagination."
Stepping into the Spotlight
On Sunday, Gargiulo will step onto the stage at the ancient Roman Arena in Verona, a short walk from his home, for the closing ceremony. Though he cannot disclose details, he embraces the moment with the same passion he felt decades ago. "My pace, my tempo, has slowed down a bit," he noted. "But my heartbeat is still the same."
As a widowed father of three and grandfather of seven, Gargiulo's story highlights the enduring power of the Olympic Games to unite generations and cultures. His return after 70 years serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of sport and volunteerism.
