In this May 3, 2001 file photo, Italian fashion designer Franca Fendi, left, and Italian Olympic fencing medallist Diana Bianchedi attend a press conference in Rome. Bianchedi is the new general director of Rome's bid for the 2024 Games.Domenico Stinellis/The Associated Press
Two-time Olympic fencing gold medallist Diana Bianchedi is the new general director of Rome's bid for the 2024 Games.
The bid team says Bianchedi is replacing Claudio Bugno, who is leaving for a new job.
The 46-year-old Bianchedi won gold medals in team foil for Italy at the 1992 and 2000 Olympics, plus five world titles. She has a degree in sports medicine and was the Italian Olympic Committee's first female vice-president — one of several positions she has held at CONI.
Bid chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo says that Bianchedi "beyond being an undisputed champion, is an expert and capable manager."
The International Olympic Committee will select the 2024 host in 2017. The other candidates are Paris; Los Angeles; Hamburg, Germany; and Budapest, Hungary.