Riccardo Bruno Claims Italian Junior Para Archery Title
Lamezia Terme, Italy – Eighteen-year-old Riccardo Bruno has been crowned the Italian junior champion in para archery, a victory that marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Bruno secured the title at the 39th Italian Indoor Championships held in Lamezia Terme on January 24th and 25th and also achieved a personal best score in the process. The win is particularly meaningful given the unexpected nature of his success, as he himself admitted.
A Surprise Victory and Personal Best
“The satisfaction was immense, because I wasn’t expecting the result,” Bruno said, according to reporting from Il Nuovo Diario. “The title itself was the most unexpected thing of all.” He scored 554 out of a possible 600 points, improving his previous personal record by nearly 20 points. This wasn’t a one-off improvement either. Bruno had already bettered his personal best on four occasions in the months leading up to the championship.
From Rehabilitation to National Champion
Bruno’s journey to the top is an inspiring one. He first encountered archery during his rehabilitation at the Montecatone rehabilitation institute in Imola following a life-altering incident in 2019. While vacationing in Costa Rica, he was stung by a stingray, resulting in a spinal injury that caused paralysis in his lower limbs. It was at Montecatone that he discovered para archery, and the sport quickly captured his passion. He credits the association founded by Alex Zanardi, Obiettivo 3, with introducing him to the discipline.
Currently, Bruno trains with the Arcieri Muzio Attendolo Sforza – Masf (MASF) of Cotignola, a club with a rich history dating back to 1970. This championship represents the most significant achievement for the club, according to his coach, Elisa Ballardini. “Riccardo is very calm, or at least he knows how to manage his emotions well,” Ballardini stated. “Sometimes it seems like he gets distracted, but then he always manages to regain his balance very quickly.”
Mental Fortitude and Future Goals
Bruno’s success is particularly notable given his own admission that he struggles with concentration in other areas of his life. “Since I was a child, I tend to lose concentration quickly, even at school,” he explained. “But in this sport, I can maintain it for a long time.” This mental resilience proved crucial in the final moments of the championship match, where he found himself tied with his opponent before ultimately securing the win with a three-point advantage on his final shot.
The Italian championship follows a fifth-place finish at the European Championships in Istanbul last summer. Bruno, who resides in Imola with his family, is now setting his sights on even greater challenges, with the Paralympic Games firmly in his sights. He’s demonstrating a remarkable ability to perform under pressure, a skill that will be essential as he progresses towards this ultimate goal.
A Unique Path to Para Archery
The circumstances surrounding Bruno’s injury are remarkably unusual. The stingray incident in Costa Rica resulted in a broken vertebra and spinal cord damage, forever changing the course of his life. Following the incident, his family returned to Italy, and he underwent extensive rehabilitation at the specialized hospital in Montecatone. It was there, through the Obiettivo 3 association, that he discovered the world of Para Archery and began his journey toward becoming a national champion.
The victory in Lamezia Terme is more than just a title; it’s a testament to Bruno’s determination, resilience, and the power of sport to overcome adversity. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a reminder of the transformative potential of para sports.
Next up for Riccardo Bruno will be continued training and preparation as he aims to qualify for and compete at the Paralympic Games. Further updates on his progress will be available through the Italian Archery Federation and the Arcieri Muzio Attendolo Sforza – Masf club.
