In the eve of Christmas, in his afternoon sleep, passed away a historical figure of Italian athletics.

Yesterday died aged 84 in his hometown, Ascoli Piceno, Carlo Vittori, who was the coach of Pietro Mennea, the man who had brought him to obtain the world record is 200m and the Olympic gold in Moscow 1980.

Some will wonder, beyond the memory of the formalities for his death, the link between Carlo Vittori and Marcia dal Mondo.

Soon is said.

Carlo Vittori loved race walking as all athletics.

In 2001 there was in his city Ascoli Piceno a major conference on race walking in Italy promoted by the organizers of the historic Centro Marcia Solestà, always promoting avery year competitions before in Ascoli Piceno and now in Grottammare.

As usual, the discussion lead to obtaining prestigious results and many of those present were quick to give their suggestions on how it can get.

When he was asked for his opinion, he got up, and with a smile, as if to hide in the edgy character and the fight against all, said the most logical and normal, "train, train and train again, but - and turned it look at some international  race walking judges in the room - then we must also reckon with that people."

Rest in peace Professor.