… Asked about Biles’ success, Ferlito replied, “I told Vanny (teammate Vanessa Ferrari) that next time we should also paint our skin black, so then we could win too.”
Ferrari was sixth and Ferlito 11th in the all-around. …
If you follow Carlotta’s twitter feed, you know she’s outspoken and controversial on many topics.
I don’t believe she’s any kind of racist, but rather young (age-18), brash and inconsiderate.
Her participation in the reality TV series Ginnaste – Vite Parallele on MTV Italy probably hasn’t helped.
Hopefully she’ll learn from this humiliating bad joke.
She’s been apologizing on twitter. I’m not sure that’s going to be enough. The story has hit the mainstream media all over the world.
I actually feel worse about this guy, David Ciaralli, supposedly a responsible adult speaking on behalf of the Federation:
In a Facebook comment posted under the name “Italian Gymnastics Federation,” which links to the federation’s Facebook page, federation spokesperson David Ciaralli (first) defended Ferlito …
… “Carlotta was referring to a trend in gymnastics at this moment, which is going towards a technique that opens up new chances to athletes of color (well-known for power)” while penalizing the more artistic Eastern European style that allowed Russians and Romanians to dominate the sport for years. …
Those quotes come from a Chicago Tribune article – Italian gymnast, federation spokesman apologize for racial remarks
“USA Gymnastics is disappointed by the recent comments made by Carlotta Ferlito and apparently by the Italian Gymnastics Federation,” Penny said in a statement. “Gymnastics is a global and inclusive sport with talented athletes, and there is no place for racial insensitivity. We are contacting the Italian federation for clarification on its comments.
UPDATE. Full Twist has been following this story. Italy has responded officially, in Italian.
related – Arabian Punch Front is sad that Carlotta blurted out such an inappropriate joke.
(via GymCastic)
Gymnastics Coaching.com 