Rome has hired architects to find training venues for its Olympic bid ©Rome2024

Rome has begun the search for training venues which could be used if the Italian capital is successful with its bid for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Twenty architects and engineers have been brought in to carry out the work, with chosen sites set to be included in the city's bid documents.

Training centres are a key part of any Games, with athletes using them to hone their final preparations before they compete.

Sport facilities at local clubs and schools are among those being inspected, as well as gyms and playing fields.

Diana Bianchedi, the 46-year-old double Olympic fencing gold medallist, who is the secretary general of Rome 2024, launched the process with the support of the Presidents of the capital's boroughs.

The training venues could also help spread the reach of the Games to various areas in Rome.

"The city’s needs are central in our bid," said Bianchedi.

"We want the Games to be an opportunity for Rome’s development and improvement."

Once the venues have been selected, they will be part of "clusters" established by organisers.

"The goal of the Bid Committee is to keep the needs of the athletes at the centre of the project," Bianchedi added.

"Rome 2024 has chosen the venues because they can all be reached in 30 minutes, allowing athletes to train and live more peacefully at the most important moment in their sporting career.” 

Diana Bianchedi, left, with Rome 2024 chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo
Diana Bianchedi, left, with Rome 2024 chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo ©Getty Images

In an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Bianchedi said she had asked the local Rome Presidents to list three "urgent" matters needed in their districts.

She also believes that her experience as an Olympian will hold her in good stead for her role.

"I found out that there are swings for the disabled in parks, I immediately called Luca Pancalli, President of the Paralympic Committee," she said.

"I attended six Olympic Villages, I know where the cafeteria is, I know that it takes hours for security checks.

"Do you know how many times during the fencing competitions I got angry because the equipment that marks the hits was not facing the audience? 

"Society and sport must speak, understand each other, communicate.

"I come from Milan, I came to Rome to train because I was looking forward to the Olympic qualification, I had to stay there a month, I’m still here."

Rome is up against Budapest, Los Angeles and Paris in the race for the 2024 hosting rights.

A decision is due to be made at the International Olympic Committee Session in Lima next year.