About us
O2UP
How we became who we are today
O2up is an innovative consulting and support company for everyone who loves sport and practices it, at any level. Since 2019, we have been a reference point for those who prioritize health and athletic performance.
We work alongside sports organizations and individuals—professionals and amateurs alike—to help them maximize wellbeing and performance.
Science and technology are the tools we use to perform tests, functional assessments, and consulting. We tailor every pathway to enhance individual traits and reach personal goals.
Mission
We offer science-based testing and consulting solutions tailored for both professional and amateur athletes, with the goal of maximizing performance and overall wellbeing.
Vision
We envision a world where sport and wellbeing culture is widespread and grounded in scientific evidence. Everyone who practices sport should have the tools to understand their potential and optimize their performance.
Purpose
Because we aim to lead innovation in functional assessment, enhancing athletes’ wellbeing and improving the quality of life of the entire community.
The o2up
manifesto
Test for the best
Just like an oxygen molecule, made of two atoms, forms the essential foundation of life, the values we believe in are rooted in an intrinsic duality. Each of our principles not only defines who we are and how we operate, but also creates a tangible impact on the world around us.
Our manifesto reflects this duality. Every value we stand for shapes reality through concrete actions and a positive influence on athletes, communities, and the world as a whole.
THE O2UP MANIFESTO represents not only the guiding principles of our company, but also our ongoing commitment to improving quality of life through science and sport. Each value is both a promise and an action, a goal and a result—a test and the best.
Science
We believe science and technology are the most important resources for driving innovation in health.
Innovation
We provide athletes with precise, reliable, and up-to-date tools to understand and improve their performance.
Personalization
We go beyond standards: every individual has unique physical traits, goals, attitudes, and potential.
Efficiency
We design personalized pathways that maximize each athlete’s potential while respecting their individual characteristics and objectives.
Connection
Our passion grows when we connect with people and organizations that share our vision.
Synergy
We collaborate with individuals, organizations, healthcare professionals, and researchers who elevate our work and amplify the benefits for our clients.
Inclusion
We believe sport and wellbeing knowledge—across all its facets—should be accessible to everyone.
Empowerment
We share knowledge, methods, and tools to promote a healthy sports culture, empowering everyone to enhance their well-being by valuing their individual strengths.
Community
We focus on individuals while thinking as a community: personal well-being, knowledge, and lifestyle should be shared.
Wellbeing
We aim to build an ever-growing community of people who work together to improve wellbeing across society.
O2UP
OUR STORY
1998
- Dr. Danilo Manari, a cardiologist who has carried out a long series of national and international collaborations in both endurance sports (cycling, cross-country skiing, running, triathlon) and team sports (football, rugby, basketball).
2005-2010
- His most significant collaborations included the Mercatone Uno cycling team (working alongside the legendary Marco Pantani), followed by Prandelli’s remarkable Fiorentina and the historic Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna.
2016
Collaborations with the Primera División of the Spanish football league
- We have an ongoing collaboration with Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti.
2019
- Strongly desired by Dr. Manari and entrusted to partners Giacomo Faraci—specialized in functional assessment—and his daughter Dr. Gaia Manari, specialized in pulmonology.
2021
- O2up expanded its activities to support companies through personalized personal-health consulting and corporate R&D consulting.
O2UP
The team
Danilo Manari
Founder & President of Honor
Expert in functional athlete assessment, specialized in cardio-respiratory physiology and body composition.
With over 30 years of experience, he has worked at the S. Maria Nuova Hospital since the ’80s, specializing in cardiac rehabilitation and exercise physiology. He currently serves as Medical Director of the Centro di Medicina in Reggio Emilia.
He has supported athletes across many disciplines: Nordic skiing, triathlon, cycling, athletics, rugby, and football (Serie A, B, C, Premier League, Ligue 1).
Giacomo Faraci
Co-founder & Partner
Graduated in Motor Sciences and Health with a master’s degree in Sports Science and Physical Performance. Head of functional assessment and training methodology at O2up.
He contributes to ongoing research in applied sport science and performance monitoring.
Passionate about sport and health, he also works as a consultant at the Centro di Medicina, managing sport-specific training and functional recovery programs.
Gaia Manari
Co-founder & Partner
Pulmonologist specialized in sports pulmonology and sleep medicine, with expertise in respiratory physiology, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and respiratory disorders in both clinical and athletic contexts.
She conducts cardiopulmonary exercise tests on ergometers and in-field, supporting both professionals and amateurs for assessment and training monitoring.