ROME — The funeral of Olympic sprint champion and former 200m world record holder Pietro Mennea was held in Rome Saturday, with media and fans lining the street outside the church. The fans greeted Mennea's coffin with a lengthy applause, with one holding up a sign saying "goodbye until we celebrate your victory at the finish line of the sky." The service was led by Father Antonio Truda, who said: "It's not true what they said, that when the footlights are turned off they won't think of you anymore. There are so many people who wish you well." Italian Olympic Committee President announced that Rome's Golden Gala will be known as the Memorial Pietro Mennea. — AP
