Beatrice Bonaventura Born in Rome in 1954, Paolo Barelli has built a career that combines high-level sport with political commitment. From a young age, he distinguished himself in the pool as a butterfly and freestyle specialist , becoming a regular presence in national and international competitions. His competitive career includes Olympic participations and domestic victories, elements that marked the beginning of a long and varied professional career, capable of spanning decades and various institutional environments.
In addition to his individual achievements, he made Italian swimming history with a world championship medal won with the team: an achievement that opened up new horizons for the men's swimming movement. This combination of success in the pool and organizational vision would lead him to become a central figure in sports management and, later, in national politics.
From sport to management: the rise within the Federation
In the years following his competitive career, Barelli shifted his focus from the pool to federal offices, beginning a managerial career that consolidated in the 80s. The culmination of this journey came in 2000 with his appointment as president of the Italian Swimming Federation , a position he held continuously, despite moments of tension and a period of suspension imposed by the world federation.
The issue was addressed legally and ended with a successful appeal, an episode that highlighted the complexity of relationships between national and international organizations.
A sporting and administrative legacy
The transition from athlete to manager meant for him not only overseeing events and technical programs, but also supporting the development of Italian swimming at multiple levels. His experience in the pool provided credibility and technical knowledge, while the management role required administrative and political skills. In this context, the concept of sports leadership becomes central: a combination of technical vision, organizational skills, and institutional relationships useful for promoting athletes and facilities.
The political turning point: from local to national benches
Alongside his federal work, Barelli embarked on a political journey, beginning in the provincial government of Rome, where he served as councilor for tourism in a center-right administration led by Silvano Moffa . This initial institutional commitment served as a bridge to the national scene: in 2001, he reached the Senate with Forza Italia , winning the voters' confidence for three consecutive terms. The transition from local government to Parliament required adapting his language and skills, while maintaining a perspective informed by his sporting experience.
Parliamentary roles and group leadership
After his experience in the Senate, his institutional journey continued with his entry into the Chamber of Deputies in 2018, where a few years later he assumed the presidency of the Forza Italia group in Palazzo Montecitorio . Positions of this nature involve internal political management, parliamentary coordination, and public representation. His personal relationships with leading figures in the center-right, such as his family ties with leader Antonio Tajani (whose father-in-law he is ), have often been cited as part of his network of relationships inside and outside Parliament.
Latest developments and personal style
In more recent years, Barelli returned to lead the Forza Italia parliamentary group in March 2026, a few months after the start of the 19th legislature, and then announced his resignation as group leader on April 13. When asked about the possibility of leaving FIN, he responded with a quip reminiscent of his roots: " I can swim, I float ," a phrase that sums up his pragmatic approach and confidence in his own resilience. A few days after this reorganization phase, he was appointed Undersecretary for Relations with Parliament , confirming his active presence at the intersection of politics and administration.
Barelli remains a figure who has successfully navigated the worlds of sport, federal management, and political activity, while maintaining a recognizable identity. His story offers a glimpse into the potential intersections between the worlds of sport and institutions, where organizational skills, strategic vision, and personal relationships play a crucial role in building a public career.