Giulia Ghiretti

Started: She began swimming in 2011 in Parma, Italy. (Athlete, 09 Sep 2019) Reason: While recovering from her accident in hospital she met a member of the Italian national Para swimming team, who put her in touch with a coach. "In hospital I met a guy who had been in the Paralympics and he introduced me to the coach. I began training but then the coach moved to Reggio Emilia. I am from Parma, where there was no swimming club, so my parents started a club to allow me to swim." (TEDx Talks YouTube channel, 11 Jun 2018; Athlete, 03 Dec 2017; ilmattinodiparma.it, 18 Feb 2013) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (abilitychannel.tv, 24 Apr 2024) Awards: She received the Sport Beyond Sport award at the 2023 Fair Play Menarini International Awards in Italy. (prnewswire.com, 19 Jun 2023) In 2018 she received the Gold Medal for Athletic Merit from the Italian Olympic Committee [CONI] in recognition of her results at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. (Facebook page, 15 Feb 2018) In 2017 she received the Golden Necklace for Sports Merit from the Italian Olympic Committee [CONI]. (coni.it, 12 Dec 2017) In 2016 and 2017 she was named Athlete of the Year in Parma, Italy. (parma.repubblica.it, 06 Feb 2018; magazine.liceoattiliobertolucci.org, 08 Jan 2018; finp.it, 16 Feb 2017) Additional Info: AMBASSADOR She has served as an ambassador for Paralympic sport in Italy after being selected for the role by the Italian Para Swimming Federation [FINP]. "The first thing that comes to mind is the honour of filling this prestigious role. At first it was all a bit strange, knowing people were watching me and looking for me to be an example. Anyone who succeeds must be a role model, an example, an important point of reference." (ilfaroonline.it, 06 Nov 2020) FURTHER STUDY She has studied for a master's degree in biomedical engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan in Italy. (vanityfair.it, 30 Jan 2023; comune.parma.it, 01 Feb 2023) BOOK Her autobiography titled 'Sono Sempre Io' [It's Always Me] was released in 2023. She co-authored the book alongside Italian journalist Andrea Del Bue. "The idea came from a chat with Andrea, who, after many interviews, has now become a friend. 'Why don't we write a book?' I thought about it and said to myself why not. I hope and believe that telling my experience can also help other people in similar situations. I've had a lot of trouble and if I can alleviate it in some way for others, well, so be it. In the pages there are considerations on several themes that can make us reflect and perhaps even help to break down certain embarrassments." (unipr.it, 10 Mar 2023; vanityfair.it, 30 Jan 2023)

Sporting Relatives: Her sister Anna Ghiretti has coached swimming at the Ego Nuoto club in Parma, Italy. (finp.it, 29 Mar 2015)