Mario Gargiulo: From 1956 Fan to "King of the Volunteers" at 89

Mario Gargiulo, an 89-year-old individual, is scheduled to participate in the closing ceremony as the oldest among the 18,000 volunteers for the Games. He will take the stage on Sunday night.

Having journeyed from Naples to the 1956 Cortina Games, Mario Gargiulo now returns to the Olympic stage as the 89-year-old "King of the Volunteers."

A Spontaneous Trip to Cortina in 1956

His previous involvement with the Olympics dates back to 1956, when he traveled from Naples to attend the Games in Cortina. He stated that he went alone due to a spontaneous desire for an unusual experience, as no one else wished to accompany him.

Enduring the Cold for the Love of the Games

During the 1956 Winter Games, he could only afford an unheated room, necessitating him to sleep in all his clothing. Gargiulo reported enjoying the opportunity to closely observe figure skating and speedskating events.

A Life's Journey, Forever Linked to the Olympics

Following his experience in Cortina, he later honeymooned there with his American wife. He subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army, was promoted to captain, and became a U.S. citizen. He has been given the nickname "King of the Volunteers."