Gelindo Bordin, Italy’s first Olympic marathon gold medalist, etched his name in history with a powerful late-race surge at the 1988 Seoul Games. A dominant force in distance running, he also claimed back-to-back European Championship titles (1986, 1990) and won the 1990 Boston Marathon. After retiring in 1993, Bordin carried his passion for running beyond the racecourse, shaping performance footwear at Diadora with his elite-level expertise.
[The crowd] hadn’t seen me in the lead, so there was this huge wave of shock and excitement. The noise was overwhelming. I was the first Italian to win the Olympic marathon, and that made it even more special…. It was not only a personal victory but also a victory for Italy.
FUELING PASSION: A CHAMPION'S MINDSET
Bordin's success was built on disciplined training and an unwavering belief in his strengths. With the right guidance, he developed the resilience and strategy needed to conquer the world’s biggest stages.
The key lesson I learned was to focus on my strengths rather than my weaknesses.
He also credits setbacks as powerful teachers:
…Learn how to lose, not just how to win. Losing offers valuable lessons that winning can’t teach you. When you lose, you can reflect on your performance, correct mistakes, and improve.
A firm believer in smart training, Bordin reminds runners that balance is key:
A good race is far better than a bad training session. Training too hard can lead to injury and mental fatigue. It’s important to give your body time to recover….
MARATHON MENTALITY: FROM COMPETITION TO CRAFTSMANSHIP
Bordin’s transition from elite athlete to footwear innovator was a natural progression. As a consultant for Diadora—the brand that first sponsored him at 16—he helped redefine running shoes for both performance and protection.
A shoe isn’t just about looking good—it has to protect the runner. A bad shoe can ruin a career.
At Diadora, Bordin champions meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring every shoe is rigorously tested before reaching runners.
[Diadora] invests a lot of time and resources into getting it right. The attention to detail ensures that the shoes provide the protection and performance athletes need, no matter the distance or level of competition.
With a vision grounded in innovation and heritage, Bordin believes three pillars define the ideal running shoe:
These three pillars—protection, enjoyment, and performance—will guide [Diadora’s] future development, [paired with] attention to global market trends.
A true embodiment of endurance, innovation, and passion, Bordin’s journey continues to inspire runners worldwide.
I believe that to be the best, you must think like the best.
