Matteo Betti

Started: He began fencing at age five, before taking up wheelchair fencing in 2005. (comitatoparalimpico.it, 01 Jan 2021) Reason: "It all happened quite suddenly. It was the summer of 2005 when a coach asked me to try wheelchair fencing. After less than a month I participated in the Italian championships, where I won a first and a second place. In December, I would then take part in the European championships. Given the results achieved in such a short time, from that moment on I have dedicated myself to the sport." (sportchianti.it, 15 May 2021) Ambition: To win a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (radiosienatv.it, 16 Mar 2024) Additional Info: OTHER ACTIVITIES He has served as a member of the National Council of the Italian Paralympic Committee representing athletes, and hopes to improve fencing opportunities for people in his region. "I have ideas that can help both the provincial sport in Siena [Italy], which obviously has certain needs, and that of the elite athletes, who obviously have others. There is a lot of work to do, but I have excellent and experienced athletes as my colleagues. I am very optimistic for the future of the sport." (sportchianti.it, 15 May 2021)