Tuscany 2036: The Olympics with a Side of Chianti

In a move that has left many scratching their heads (and others reaching for a glass of Chianti), the picturesque region of Tuscany has thrown its hat into the ring to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Yes, you read that correctly. The land of rolling hills, Renaissance art, and mouth-watering cuisine now envisions itself as the next epicenter of global athleticism.

Leading this ambitious charge is Governor Eugenio Giani, who, on January 18, 2025, alongside Emilia-Romagna’s President Michele De Pascale, signed a letter of intent to strengthen collaboration between the two regions. While the official document delicately sidestepped the “O” word, Giani was anything but subtle, proclaiming, “The prospect of the 2036 Olympics could unite our regions.”  

Giani’s vision? A “diffused Olympics” that would see events scattered across Italy. Picture this: archery beneath the ancient walls of Lucca, shooting competitions in Montecatini, sailing off the coasts of Punta Ala and the island of Elba, fencing duels in Pisa or Livorno, and rowing races on Lake Bilancino. Meanwhile, Rome would handle the heavy lifting with the Olympic Stadium hosting ceremonies and athletics.  

Skeptics might point out that the International Olympic Committee has traditionally favored capital cities or major metropolises for the Games. However, there have been exceptions. For instance, Los Angeles, which is not a capital city, has been selected to host the Olympics.  

Timing, as they say, is everything. Giani’s renewed Olympic enthusiasm conveniently aligns with the upcoming regional elections in 2025. Coincidence? We’ll let you be the judge. But one can’t help but wonder if the promise of Olympic glory might sway a vote or two.

Of course, hosting the Olympics isn’t just about picturesque venues and political maneuvering. There’s the minor detail of infrastructure. Giani acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic, noting that with 11 years to prepare, Tuscany could be ready for the world stage. This would, of course, require significant upgrades to transportation networks, including the Fi-Pi-Li highway, Peretola airport, and the high-speed rail system.  

Political heavyweights like Matteo Renzi, Romano Prodi, and Pier Ferdinando Casini have all expressed support for the Olympic bid. However, the upcoming election of a new president for the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) adds another layer of complexity. The successor to Giovanni Malagò, who has been at the helm for 12 years, will play a crucial role in advancing any potential Italian candidacy.  

So, as Tuscany dreams of Olympic grandeur, the world watches with bated breath (and perhaps a raised eyebrow). After all, if the region can produce masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David and Brunelleschi’s Dome, who’s to say it can’t also produce a gold-medal-worthy Olympic Games?