Biography
Started: She began fencing at age five, and took up wheelchair fencing in 2010 in Bologna, Italy. (ilgazzettino.it, 01 Jan 2020; Athlete, 31 Jul 2016)
Reason: She stumbled across fencing while attending volleyball training. "It was love at first sight. I went to a gym in Mogliano Veneto [Italy], my hometown, to try a volleyball lesson. At the end, in the next room, there was a fencing lesson. I saw all those 'white Zorros' fighting and I was totally fascinated. The coach invited me to try and I fell in love with fencing." (assembly.malala.org, 06 Aug 2020)
Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (alfemminile.com, 23 Feb 2024)
Awards: In 2017 she was named Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. (cosmopolitan.com, 17 Apr 2024)
She received the 2017 Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award. (bbc.co.uk, 14 Feb 2017)
Additional Info: FOUNDATION
In 2009 she and her parents founded Art4sport, an organisation that aims to support people with impairments through sport. "Art4sport [was] founded in 2009, after my illness, to help amputee children enjoy life through sport. In Italy there is a total lack of support from the healthcare system regarding sports prostheses, which are so expensive. Art4sport designs, studies and finances sports prostheses and promotes knowledge of the Paralympic world throughout Italy. Art4sport carries out numerous projects and organises events such as Games Without Barriers, a charity event in which eight teams compete." (oggi.it, 17 Mar 2024; forbes.it, 19 Jan 2024; manageritalia.it, 15 Jul 2023; assembly.malala.org, 06 Aug 2020)
OTHER ACTIVITIES
She featured in the 2020 Para sports documentary film 'Rising Phoenix'. She has worked as a motivational speaker, model, and television host in Italy. She has also authored books and has been involved in a number of campaigns promoting sport for people with impairments. (fashionmagazine.com, 24 Nov 2022; avantionline.it, 13 Jan 2021; bebevio.com, 28 Aug 2020; assembly.malala.org, 06 Aug 2020; pro-motivate.com, 01 Jan 2019)
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Details
GenderFemale
Birth DateMarch 4, 1997
Place of ResidenceMOGLIANO VENETO
OccupationPolice Athlete
EducationCommunications - John Cabot University, Rome, ITA
Languages SpokenEnglish, Italian
CoachSimone Vanni [national]
Highlights
| Rank | Event | Year | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralympic Games | ||||
| 1 | Foil Category B | 2020 | Tokyo, JPN | |
| 1 | Foil Category B | 2016 | Rio de Janeiro, BRA | |
| 2 | Foil Team | 2020 | Tokyo, JPN | |
| 3 | Foil Team | 2016 | Rio de Janeiro, BRA | |
| World Championships | ||||
| 1 | Foil Category B | 2023 | Terni, ITA | |
| 1 | Foil Category B | 2019 | Cheongju, KOR | |
| 1 | Foil Team | 2017 | Rome, ITA | |
| 1 | Foil Category B | 2017 | Rome, ITA | |
| 1 | Foil Category B | 2015 | Eger, HUN | |
| 2 | Foil Team | 2023 | Terni, ITA | |
| 3 | Foil Team | 2019 | Cheongju, KOR | |
| 3 | Foil Team | 2015 | Eger, HUN | |
| 8 | Women's Team Sabre | 2019 | Cheongju, KOR | |
| 10 | Foil Category B | 2013 | Budapest, HUN | |
| 11 | Sabre Category B | 2019 | Cheongju, KOR | |
| European Championships | ||||
| 4 | Foil Team | 2024 | Paris, FRA | |
| 5 | Foil Category B | 2024 | Paris, FRA | |
