JOSEFA IDEM

Josefa Idem is one of the most extraordinary figures in the Italian sports and social scene. Born in Germany in 1964 and Italian by marriage, she built a memorable career as a canoeist, participating in eight Olympics and winning prestigious medals. In addition to her successes in sport, Idem has been able to translate the values ​​learned in competition into a strong social and political commitment, becoming a symbol of determination, integrity and gender equality.

Josefa Idem's sports career is legendary. She competed for the first time at the Olympics in 1984 with the German national team and then, after moving to Italy, she wore the tricolor for another seven consecutive editions. Her most iconic victory is the Olympic gold won at the Sydney Games in 2000 in the K1 500 meters specialty, which consecrated her as one of the strongest canoe athletes in the world.

Idem is also an example of perseverance and resilience: she has continued to compete at the highest levels for decades, also winning silver and bronze medals at the Olympics and numerous world and European titles. With her commitment, she has shown that sporting success has no age and that passion and dedication can lead to extraordinary results.

After ending her sporting career in 2012, Josefa Idem took on a new challenge: politics. In 2013, she was appointed Minister for Equal Opportunities, Sport and Youth Policies in the Letta government. Although her government experience was brief, Idem used her influence to bring to attention crucial issues such as gender equality, women's rights and the importance of sport in society.
Her political career did not stop there: Josefa has been an active supporter of projects that promote integration and gender equality, using her experience as an athlete to raise public awareness of the importance of inclusive sports policies.

Today, Josefa Idem continues to inspire young athletes and women who are trying to make their way in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her contribution to Italian sport is immense, but even more important is her impact off the field: with her political career and her commitment to equality, Idem has shown that life after sport can be just as meaningful and that the values ​​learned as an athlete can be applied in any field.

With her life and career path, Josefa Idem remains a symbol of strength, courage and positive change, reminding us all that, with the right dedication, it is possible to make a difference.