Andrea Maria Quarto

Started: He began Para powerlifting in 2020. (gazzetta.it, 05 Apr 2021) Reason: He was involved in artistic gymnastics from age four to 18, then while serving in the Italian Navy he did weight training. He discovered Para powerlifting through watching videos while in hospital after his amputation. "Gymnastics was my first love, it formed me mentally and physically. Para powerlifting mirrored what I liked to do before the injury, so I decided it was the sport for me and started training right away. I had to get back in shape, in two months in hospital, I lost almost 20 kilograms, but there was the desire and that was enough." (gazzetta.it, 05 Apr 2021) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (difesapopolo.it, 25 Jul 2024) Additional Info: BUSINESS OWNER In 2023 he opened a gym called Adaptive Strength in Casagiove, Italy. "We are proud to be an inclusive gym, designed to accommodate people with impairments." (LinkedIn profile, 24 May 2024) FURTHER EDUCATION He has studied for a master's degree in entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Bologna in Italy. (gazzetta.it, 05 Apr 2021)