Matteo Campodoni Claims Gold at Nuovi Giochi della Gioventù as Liceo Liceti Tops Italian Schools
Matteo Campodoni, a 17-year-old badminton player from Liceo Liceti in Rapallo, Italy, secured a gold medal at the 2023 Nuovi Giochi della Gioventù, a national youth sports competition, according to official tournament records. The event, held in July across multiple Italian cities, saw Liceo Liceti finish as the top-performing school, earning recognition for its athletes in badminton, swimming, basketball, and sitting volleyball.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Campodoni, who defeated competitors from 12 regional teams in the boys’ singles badminton final. His win contributed to Liceo Liceti’s overall tally of 28 points, surpassing second-place Istituto Superiore di Sport in Verona by 5 points, as reported by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI).
How Campodoni’s Gold Came to Be
Campodoni’s journey to gold began with a 21-18, 21-15 victory over Emilio Ricci of Milan in the semifinals, followed by a decisive 21-12, 21-9 win against Luca Vescovi of Naples in the final. The matches, held at the Palazzo dello Sport in Genoa, featured intense rallies and strategic plays, with Campodoni’s backhand smashes drawing praise from tournament officials.
“Matteo’s consistency under pressure was exceptional,” said CONI spokesperson Maria Bianchi. “He adapted his game plan mid-match, which is rare for an athlete his age.” Campodoni’s coach, Giuseppe Moretti, attributed his success to “hours of targeted training and mental preparation.”
The badminton tournament, which included 45 athletes from 20 schools, saw Liceo Liceti dominate in both singles and doubles events. The school’s girls’ doubles team, composed of Alice Russo and Giada Marchetti, also claimed silver, adding to their overall points total.
Why Liceo Liceti’s Victory Matters
Liceo Liceti’s triumph is part of a broader trend of academic institutions prioritizing sports development. The school, established in 1958, has historically excelled in youth competitions, with alumni competing in regional and national leagues. Its success at the Nuovi Giochi della Gioventù aligns with a 2022 report by the Italian Ministry of Education, which noted a 15% increase in school-sponsored sports programs over the past five years.
“This win reinforces our commitment to holistic education,” said Liceo Liceti principal Lucia Romano. “Sports teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience—skills that translate to academic and professional success.” The school’s 2023 performance also highlights the growing emphasis on adaptive sports, such as sitting volleyball, which was included in the tournament for the first time.
Sitting volleyball, a Paralympic sport, saw 12 teams compete, with Liceo Liceti’s squad securing third place. The inclusion of the event reflects a broader push by CONI to promote inclusivity in youth sports, as outlined in its 2021 diversity initiative.
What’s Next for Campodoni and Liceo Liceti
Campodoni’s gold medal has already drawn attention from national badminton federations. The Italian Badminton Federation (FIB) plans to invite him to a training camp in October, aiming to develop young talent for future international competitions. “Matteo’s potential is immense,” said FIB coach Marco Ricci. “We want to nurture his skills for the European Youth Championships next year.”
Liceo Liceti’s overall victory also sets a benchmark for other schools. The school’s next challenge will be the 2024 Regional Sports Championships, scheduled for March. Principal Romano emphasized that the team will focus on “expanding our sports infrastructure and recruiting new talent.”
The Nuovi Giochi della Gioventù, which runs through August 5, will conclude with a closing ceremony in Rome. Over
