Italian gymnast Giorgia Villa, a member of the team that won Italy’s first women’s gymnastics silver medal in 96 years, has captured attention not just for her athletic prowess but also her love of cheese. Sponsored by the Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano in 2021, Villa’s photos celebrating this partnership recently went viral after her Olympic success.
The images, shot by photographer Gabriele Seghizzi, show Villa in her leotard posing with giant wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano. In some, she sits atop the cheese wheels, performs splits and handstands beside them, and even hugs the cheese. Villa’s playful interaction with the cheese has put a spotlight on the Emilia-Romagna region, known for its rich culinary heritage, including products like prosciutto, tortellini, and tagliatelle al ragù.
1 Villa was part of the team that took the silver medal this week at the Olympics. Sipa USA
Parmigiano-Reggiano, often called the “King of Cheeses,” is produced in a specific area around Parma and requires strict production standards. Each cheese wheel is aged for a minimum of 12 months and stamped with a unique number to ensure authenticity. For those inspired by Villa’s cheesy photoshoot, a visit to Parma offers a chance to taste the iconic cheese, explore local delicatessens, and even tour the Museo del Parmigiano-Reggiano.
