All-Italian Final: Francesco Maria Sorato Claims Gold in W1 Archery at 2025 European Para Youth Games

In a high-stakes showdown that guaranteed a gold medal for Italy, Francesco Maria Sorato emerged victorious in the W1 open archery competition at the 2025 European Para Youth Games (EPYG). The final, held at the Cebeci Sports Complex in Istanbul, featured a clash between two of Italy’s most promising young talents, with Sorato ultimately edging out his compatriot Francesco Tomaselli in a tense battle of precision.

The matchup was a highlight of the second day of competition, marking a significant milestone for the sport as archery made its debut at the European Para Youth Games. The all-Italian pairing in the final underscored the nation’s current dominance in the W1 category, a classification specifically designed for athletes with impairments in both the upper and lower limbs.

The Path to Gold: A Narrow Margin

The gold medal match was characterized by remarkable consistency from both archers, with the outcome decided by a razor-thin margin. Sorato secured the victory with a final score of 142-140.

While both athletes maintained a high level of accuracy throughout the encounter, the turning point arrived in the second round of their five-round match. Sorato managed to hit a 30-point maximum in that specific round, providing the critical cushion needed to hold off Tomaselli’s pursuit. The consistency displayed by both athletes reflects the rigorous training and technical proficiency currently embedded in the Italian Para-archery program.

Following the victory, Sorato expressed a sense of disbelief at the result. According to reports from the European Paralympic Committee, the young archer admitted he was lost for words after securing the first gold medal of the Games.

Italy’s Golden Start in Istanbul

Sorato’s victory was not an isolated success but rather the first part of a strong opening for the Italian delegation. His gold medal served as the catalyst for a “golden double” in archery, as Italy continued to collect podium finishes throughout the event.

The Comitato Italiano Paralimpico (CIP) confirmed that Italy’s overall haul from the games included three gold medals, one silver, and two bronze. In the archery vertical specifically, the nation secured two gold medals, awarded to Sorato and fellow archer Saccoman.

For readers unfamiliar with the format, the W1 category is one of the most challenging disciplines in para-archery due to the physical constraints of the athletes, making the high scores achieved by Sorato and Tomaselli particularly impressive from a technical standpoint.

Broader Competition Context

While the spotlight remained on the Italian duo, the W1 competition featured a global field. The battle for the bronze medal saw a contest between Latvia’s Strads and Turkey’s Saran, highlighting the international depth of the youth category.

Other notable competitions at the Cebeci Sports Complex included the Open Recurve category, where Slovenia’s Ivan faced off against Turkey’s Sezgin for the gold, and a bronze medal match between Germany’s Lammers and Turkey’s Birlik.

The integration of archery into the EPYG program is seen as a strategic move to bridge the gap between youth development and the elite level of the Paralympic Games. By providing a high-pressure environment in Istanbul, the event allows athletes like Sorato and Tomaselli to gain the psychological experience necessary for senior international competition.

As the 2025 European Para Youth Games conclude, the focus now shifts to the integration of these youth athletes into the senior national teams. With Sorato and Tomaselli proving they can perform under the pressure of a European final, Italy enters the next quadrennium with a formidable foundation in the W1 discipline.

For the latest updates on Para-archery and upcoming international qualifiers, follow the official announcements from the Comitato Italiano Paralimpico and European Paralympic Committee.

Do you think Italy’s dominance in W1 archery will continue into the next Paralympic cycle? Share your thoughts in the comments below.