Rising Stars: Kevin Giordana and Leonardo Ramonda Lead Fresh Wave of Italian Archery Talent

In the disciplined world of competitive archery, where success is measured in millimeters and mental fortitude is as critical as physical form, two young athletes from Cuneo are emerging as figures to watch. Kevin Giordana and Leonardo Ramonda, representing the Arcieri dell’Elice club, have recently transitioned from local standouts to recognized prospects within the Italian national framework.

The trajectory of these two athletes highlights a strategic push by the Italian Archery Federation (FITArco) to identify and nurture youth talent through structured regional programs. For Giordana and Ramonda, this path has led them from the training grounds of Piedmont to the scrutiny of national team technicians.

National Recognition: The Generazione Alfa and Fenice Programs

The most significant milestone in the recent development of both athletes was their selection for a high-level technical gathering held in Alpignano, Turin. This camp was part of the Generazione Alfa and Fenice regional programs, designed specifically for the Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta regions to scout the best talent in the Olympic and Compound bow categories.

During the two-day intensive training session held at the Compagnia Arcieri Alpignano ARC.A. A.S.D. Gym, the duo was evaluated by prominent national team technicians Matteo Bisiani and Flavio Valesella. This evaluation process is part of a broader national initiative to standardize the growth of young archers across Italy, ensuring that those with the highest potential receive specialized coaching and visibility.

The selection was divided by discipline, reflecting the distinct skill sets of the two athletes:

• Kevin Giordana: Selected for the Arco Olimpico Allievi Maschile (Male Youth Olympic Bow) category.
• Leonardo Ramonda: Selected for the Arco Compound Allievi Maschile (Male Youth Compound Bow) category.

For readers unfamiliar with the distinction, the Olympic bow (recurve) is the only style permitted in the Olympic Games, requiring the archer to rely on their own strength and technique. The Compound bow utilizes a system of pulleys and cables to make the bow easier to draw and hold, typically allowing for higher precision and speed.

Local Dominance and Regional Success

The national call-up is a direct result of consistent performances at the regional level. The Arcieri dell’Elice have established themselves as a powerhouse in the Cuneo province, frequently appearing on the podiums of regional championships and local tournaments.

Recent records indicate the club’s continued success at the regional championships held in Cantalupa, Turin, organized by the Arcieri delle Alpi. These events serve as the primary proving ground for athletes seeking to move up the FITArco rankings. The consistency shown by Giordana and Ramonda in these high-pressure environments has validated the training methods employed by the Arcieri dell’Elice.

The club’s influence extends beyond individual talent; they have also been active in hosting events like the Grande Cuneo tournament, supported by the municipality of Cuneo. These events provide critical match experience for youth athletes, allowing them to compete against a variety of styles and skill levels within their own home region.

The Path to the Podium: What Lies Ahead

For youth athletes like Giordana and Ramonda, the transition from the Allievi (Youth) category to the senior ranks is the most challenging phase of their careers. The technical gathering in Alpignano was not merely a reward for past performance but a blueprint for their future development. By being “visioned” by national technicians, they are now on the radar for potential inclusion in national youth squads and international competitions.

The focus for the coming months will likely center on maintaining their rankings within the FITArco Individual Ranking Lists, where consistency across multiple indoor and outdoor events is required to secure top seeding for the Italian Championships.

The integration of regional coaching—supported by technicians such as Sasia, Morano, Gallarate, and Garetto—ensures that the technical gaps between local club training and national team standards are minimized. This holistic approach is designed to prevent the “plateau” effect often seen in teenage athletes.

As the Italian archery circuit moves into its next phase of competition, the eyes of the Piedmont sporting community will be on these two young men. Their ability to translate the lessons learned from national technicians into podium finishes at the regional and national levels will determine if they become the next generation of Azzurri stars.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the region’s archery talent will be the upcoming cycle of FITArco regional qualifiers and the subsequent national ranking updates. Fans and followers can track the official progress of these athletes via the FITArco official portal.

Do you think the current youth programs in Italy are doing enough to discover talent in smaller provinces like Cuneo? Let us know in the comments below.