Italian gymnast and Olympic Silver Medalist Giorgia Villa’s latest Instagram post wasn’t about a new floor routine this time. Instead, it declared the end of an era.

"I don't know if there are right words to say goodbye to what you loved more than your own life," the caption of Villa’s retirement post read on May 17. "But today I try. With a trembling hand and eyes full of memories, it’s time to say goodbye to gymnastics.”

Having graced the mat since she was 3, the Italian gymnast stepped away from a career that has been adorned by a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and four medals at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

The glory came early, when a 15-year-old Villa clinched an all-around, vault, and floor exercise titles. At the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, the crowd also witnessed her winning a silver medal on uneven bars.

But the Olympics were a different story altogether. The only event that could provide a “unique adrenaline” to her, enough to stay, fight, and “raise (her) gaze and start dreaming again.” But it ends here.

Performing her swansong at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Villa will step into the next chapter of her life. But her farewell message did not only reflect the bright sides of her career.

Giorgia Villa Gave a Nod to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics

After 2018, the 2021 Tokyo Olympics were supposed to be Villa’s next destination. But a sprained ankle shattered her dream. However, even her darkest moment found a place in her farewell message.

“The Olympics that I had to give up were one of the darkest moments of my career,” she wrote. “A dream shattering before your eyes, unable to do anything about it. I thought it was over. I thought I had nothing left to give.”

“I've stayed. I have been struggling. I looked up and went back to dreaming. Finally, I made it to Paris,” she added. “I left my heart on that floor. I won an Olympic medal."

Her professional run might end here, but to the sport and to the floor she dedicated her heart to, Giorgia Villa will remain tethered forever.

What do you think awaits her next? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Deblina Roy