ROME, Italy – Francesco Gregori of Riccione, Italy, etched his name into the record books on Sunday, March 1, 2026, winning his first Italian Indoor Archery Championship in the Olympic division. The victory, secured at the Nuova Fiera di Roma, marks a career milestone for the Marina Militare athlete, capping off a successful competition for the rising star.
The final match against Matteo Borsani of the Fiamme Gialle was a nail-biting affair, decided by the slimmest of margins. According to reports from the event, the duel began with both archers scoring a perfect 29 out of 30, setting the stage for a tense showdown. The competition continued with a remarkable display of precision, as both Gregori and Borsani repeatedly achieved scores of 30 in subsequent sets.
The deadlock persisted through the entire match, culminating in a 5-5 tie in the set system. This forced a shoot-off – a single arrow to determine the champion. Both archers again hit the 9, requiring an incredibly precise measurement by the judges. The judges determined that Gregori’s arrow was closer to the center, awarding him the gold medal and the title of Italian champion. [1], [4]
This victory wasn’t Gregori’s only success at the championships. Prior to his individual triumph, he secured two bronze medals with the Arco Club Riccione team. He earned a bronze in the individual class and another in the team event alongside teammates Simone Vernocchi and Nicolay Vinogradov, coached by Raimondo Luponetti. [4]
The Arco Club Riccione, under the leadership of President Luigi Taddei, is already looking ahead to their next challenge: the Italian Society Championships scheduled for March 21-22 in Belforte del Chienti, in the province of Macerata. Gregori, Vinogradov, Fabrizio Bacchini, and Fabio Ciotti will represent the club, again under the guidance of coach Luponetti. [4]
The win has been met with widespread praise from the local community. Simone Imola, the Riccione Sport Assessor, congratulated Gregori and the Arco Club Riccione, stating, “We are proud that once again an athlete from Riccione reaches the top step of the podium and brings the name of our city to the forefront.” Imola also extended congratulations to the club and all the sporting organizations dedicated to supporting athletes and the community. [4]
For Gregori, this championship represents the culmination of years of dedication and training. The Italian Indoor Archery Championship is a significant event in the national archery calendar, attracting top athletes from across the country. The Nuova Fiera di Roma served as the venue for the 2026 edition, providing a state-of-the-art facility for the competition. [1], [3]
The win also continues a trend of success for archers from the Emilia-Romagna region. Gregori’s victory follows wins by Federico Musolesi of Bologna in both 2024 and 2025, demonstrating the strength of archery programs in the region. [4]
The precision required in archery, particularly in indoor competitions, is remarkable. Athletes must contend with minimal lighting variations and the psychological pressure of a high-stakes environment. The shoot-off, in particular, tests an archer’s ability to remain calm and focused under immense pressure. [2]
Gregori’s journey to the top has been marked by consistent improvement and a commitment to excellence. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring archers in Italy and beyond. The Marina Militare’s support has undoubtedly played a crucial role in his development, providing him with the resources and training necessary to compete at the highest level. [1], [3]
Looking ahead, Francesco Gregori and the Arco Club Riccione will undoubtedly be aiming for further success at the Italian Society Championships and beyond. The archery community will be watching closely to see what this talented athlete achieves in the years to come. [4]
The next confirmed event for Gregori and his teammates is the Italian Society Championships in Belforte del Chienti on March 21-22. Fans can follow updates on the Arco Club Riccione’s website and social media channels for the latest news and results.
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