ROME – Francesco Gregori, representing Marina Militare, etched his name into Italian archery history this week, securing his first national indoor title in the Olympic recurve division. The victory, decided by the narrowest of margins, came at the culmination of the Campionati Italiani Indoor 2026, held at the Nuova Fiera di Roma in late February. The 2026 championships showcased intense competition, but it was Gregori’s precision and composure that ultimately prevailed.
The final match pitted Gregori against Matteo Borsani in a captivating display of skill. The duel began with both archers posting a perfect score of 29 out of 30, setting the stage for a tense showdown. Throughout the match, both competitors consistently demonstrated remarkable accuracy, frequently achieving scores of 30 in individual sets. The score remained deadlocked at 5-5 in the set system, forcing a dramatic shoot-off – a single arrow to determine the champion.
In the shoot-off, both Gregori and Borsani hit the 9-ring, intensifying the drama. It came down to a meticulous measurement by the judges, who determined that Gregori’s arrow was marginally closer to the center, awarding him the coveted title. This victory marks a significant milestone in Gregori’s career, representing his first Italian championship at the national level.
This wasn’t Gregori’s only success at the championships. Prior to his individual triumph, the archer from Riccione, alongside teammates Simone Vernocchi and Nicolay Vinogradov of Arco Club Riccione, secured two bronze medals. They achieved this success in both the individual and team events, guided by coach Raimondo Luponetti. These earlier achievements underscored the strength and depth of the Arco Club Riccione team.
The win is particularly meaningful for the city of Riccione, which has rallied behind its local athlete. Simone Imola, the city’s Sport Assessor, expressed the community’s pride, stating, “We are proud that once again an athlete from Riccione reaches the top step of the podium and brings high the name of our city.” Imola similarly extended congratulations to Arco Club Riccione and the broader network of sporting organizations that support athletes in the region.
Gregori’s journey to the top wasn’t without its challenges. The intense competition at the Nuova Fiera di Roma demanded unwavering focus and precision from all participants. The shoot-off, in particular, exemplifies the mental fortitude required to succeed in archery at the highest level. The ability to perform under pressure, as Gregori demonstrated, is a hallmark of a true champion.
The Arco Club Riccione, under the leadership of President Luigi Taddei, is already looking ahead to its next challenge: the Campionati Italiani di società, scheduled for March 21st and 22nd in Belforte del Chienti, in the province of Macerata. Gregori, along with Vinogradov, Fabrizio Bacchini, and Fabio Ciotti, will represent the club, continuing to be coached by Luponetti. This upcoming competition provides another opportunity for the team to showcase their talent and build on their recent successes.
For those unfamiliar, the “shoot-off” in archery is a tie-breaker used when scores are level after a set number of arrows. It involves each archer shooting a single arrow, and the one closest to the center of the target wins. This method adds a dramatic element to the competition, requiring archers to maintain their composure and deliver a precise shot under immense pressure. The precision required to win by millimeters highlights the skill and dedication of athletes like Gregori and Borsani.
The Italian archery scene is gaining momentum, with athletes like Gregori and Di Francesco – who also secured her first individual title at the same championships – leading the charge. The success of these athletes is a testament to the growing popularity and support for archery in Italy. The Nuova Fiera di Roma served as an ideal venue for these championships, providing a state-of-the-art facility for the competition.
Francesco Gregori’s victory is not just a personal triumph but a source of inspiration for aspiring archers across Italy. His dedication, skill, and unwavering focus serve as a model for those seeking to excel in this demanding sport. The future looks bright for Italian archery, with a new generation of talented athletes emerging on the scene.
Next up for Gregori and his Arco Club Riccione teammates is the Campionati Italiani di società in Belforte del Chienti. Fans can follow updates on the team’s performance through official channels and archery news outlets. The competition promises to be another exciting chapter in the ongoing story of Italian archery.
