Italy's rhythmic gymnastics queen steals the show at worlds

Italian rhythmic gymnast Sofia Raffaeli delivered a breathtaking silver medal performance in the ball routine at the 2023 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championship in Valencia, Spain. Born on January 19, 2004, in Chiaravalle, in the Marche region, Raffaeli has become one of the most successful individual rhythmic gymnasts in Italian history. She began artistic gymnastics at age three and transitioned to rhythmic gymnastics four years later, a decision that would reveal her extraordinary talent. In 2021, she joined the Fiamme Oro sports group, affiliated with the Italian police authorities, which further propelled her career to new heights.

Raffaeli's competitive achievements demonstrate her exceptional dominance in the sport. At just 18 years old in 2022, she experienced a remarkable breakthrough, becoming world all-around champion while also capturing gold medals in hoop, ball, ribbon, and team competitions. She continued her winning streak at the 2025 World Championship, earning bronze in the all-around classification and reaffirming her position among the world's elite gymnasts. Most significantly, at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Sofia made history by winning bronze in the individual all-around, becoming Italy's first rhythmic gymnast ever to achieve an individual Olympic medal in the discipline.

Beyond her impressive competitive results, Sofia has also left her mark on the technical side of rhythmic gymnastics. She has a movement officially named after her, a 180° lateral split pivot without support, with horizontal lateral torso in relevé and bent free leg, inscribed in the rhythmic gymnastics Code of Points. This recognition places her among the elite innovators of the sport. Her unique combination of precision, expressiveness, and innovation has established Sofia Raffaeli as one of the greatest talents in contemporary rhythmic gymnastics and a powerful symbol of the sport's new golden age in Italy. Her performances continue to inspire a new generation of gymnasts worldwide.

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