mennea, who was born in barletta, started his long international athletic career in 1968 when he took part in a junior race in termoli and he was registered in "avis barletta" club; in 1971, he won the first of his 14 italian outdoor titles in the 100 and 200 m. he went on to win two indoor titles in 60 m and 400 m, along with five mediterranean games gold medals in 100 m and 200 m. he competed at the european championships with a third place in the 4 × 100 m relay. he made his olympic debut at the 1972 summer olympics in munich, where he made the final of the 200 m, his strongest event. he finished in third place, behind valeri borzov and larry black. three more consecutive olympic 200 metre finals would follow later in his career, the longest roe ever in this event.