The International University Sports Federation was represented at the recent Olympic Games in Italy by former participants competing on the ice and snow, but also by other young enthusiastic representatives…
Matteo Malfer and Giulia Ercole from Italy, Brúnó Negyeliczky from Hungary, Gyurhee Kelly Kim from the Republic of Korea and Cazimir Geanta from Romania all occupied diverse roles in Milano Cortina, making sure operations ran smoothly. They tell us about their unforgettable experiences…
Matteo Malfer, Italy, FISU Student Ambassador 2023/24 – NOC/NPC Coordinator
“My work was a quiet one, filled with endless meetings, back-and-forth emails, and an almost artisanal attention to detail, which precedes and accompanies the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is work that doesn’t make it to the podium, but without it, no competition could begin.
NCS (National Committee Services) is the sector that manages direct relationships with the National Olympic and Paralympic Committees. A crucial area: it’s here that the entire delegation experience takes shape, from their arrival in Italy to the number of athletes qualified for each discipline, to the management of every need, even the most specific, before and during the Games. No spotlight. Just responsibility. And that’s what made my contribution powerful.”
Giulia Ercole, Italy, FISU Student Ambassador 2025/26 – Ambassador Coordinator with OMEGA.
Giulia led the management and execution of ambassador programmes during the Games – from planning itineraries and exclusive experiences to coordinating logistics behind the scenes. Working closely with internal and external teams, she ensured smooth arrivals, departures, hospitality services, and on-site support.
Details matter. Timing matters. Experience matters. And Giulia helped make it unforgettable.
Brúnó Negyeliczky, FISU Student Ambassador for Hungary 2025/26 – Deputy Venue Protocol Manager
At the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, Bruno helped manage protocol operations for the Olympic Family — welcoming distinguished guests, overseeing official lounges and seating, coordinating ceremonies, and ensuring every detail respects Olympic tradition.
But his role went beyond logistics. He lead and trained a team of 45 international protocol volunteers, building a united team under pressure and helping create unforgettable Olympic memories. Working closely with executives, international federations, sponsors, and dignitaries, Brúnó operated where sport meets leadership and diplomacy.
Precision. Discretion. Responsibility. That’s Olympic protocol.
Gyurhee Kelly Kim, Republic of Korea, FISU Student Ambassador 2022 – Event Operations Supervisor at the Cortina Sliding Centre.
Kelly (third from the left) made it back on the sliding track (after her experience at the Youth Olympic Games in 2024 in Gangwon) — this time coordinating venue operations and leading the team behind the action. From fast ice to fast decisions, her role ensured everything runs smoothly so athletes could focus on their performance.
For her, it’s more than operations. It’s passion. It’s coming home to the sport.
Cazimir Geanta, Romania, FISU Student Ambassador 2018 and 2019 – Fleet Operations and Depot Support Staff.
The Olympic Games moved fast. So did everything behind them. Based in the Fleet Operations Centre in Bormio, within the Valtellina cluster, Cazimir supported the transport system that keept the Games running — moving people, equipment, and operations where they needed to be, on time.
No transport. No coordination. No Games.
It was the engine behind the experience.
Written by Jackeline Torres Vargas, social media manager for @fisuambassadors programme and alumni. Photos courtesy of student ambassadors.
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