Francesco Leocata he also left his mark on Antalya Paralympics, where he was awarded the gold medal with the National Basketball Team. On Sunday the Azzurri beat the Türkiye with the score 18-17 at the end of a challenge full of suspense and reversals. In the qualifying round, coach Bufacchi’s team had beaten the hosts themselves and Hungaryin the semi-final, however, Finland. The athlete from Montesilvano he is no stranger to Olympic successes as in 2016 he placed first with the national futsal team at the Olympic Games Firenze. His palmares also includes a world title in futsal and five silvers in the shot put. The 31-year-old athlete in fact moves with dexterity between multiple sports, in addition to five-a-side football, javelin and basketball, he practices judo.
INSIGHTS
The champion is beaming after the new title: «I am very happy and equally excited – he states – we faced a difficult match, against a very strong opponent, playing point for point. It was a show that took place among thousands of spectators, who unfortunately weren’t cheering for us, but this made the victory even more precious.” This is his key to understanding the success: «We triumphed with the strength of the group because we are truly united, and with a technical superiority compared to Turkey. I dedicate the medal to the cities of Montesilvano, Pescara and Francavilla al Mare.” Francesco will return home tomorrow, in the meantime he is enjoying the sun of Antalia: «I came to rest by the sea and the tiredness immediately went away» he smiles.
In a few days, the champion will begin his judo training again, in view of the international championships in Ravenna and the national championships in Perugia, scheduled for April and May. «I can’t wait to get back to the gym – adds the Olympian – I would like to win again. For now I dedicate myself to judo but, after the competitions, I will also resume training in the other disciplines.” The coach of the Down national basketball team Giuliano Bufacchi comments on the performance of the team and Leocata: «A great test of strength, physical and mental, from everyone. Francesco was good as always because he did exactly everything we expected from him.” Abruzzo also shines in other sports at the 2024 Trisom Games: Nando D’Agostino of the Polisportiva Tethys Chieti won gold in the race walk and in the 800 meters, the national Judo team coached by the Francaville Chiara Meucci she climbed to the third step of the podium, close to Türkiye and Portugal.
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2024-03-25 12:30:01
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