Maurizio Damilano, Italian race walker and coach

Born on April 6, 1957, in the quaint Italian comune of Scarnafigi, nestled within the picturesque region of Piedmont, Maurizio Damilano emerged as one of Italy's most distinguished figures in the demanding sport of race walking. His illustrious career, spanning several significant years in international athletics, was marked by an extraordinary display of endurance, precision, and competitive spirit. As a former professional race walker, Damilano etched his name into the annals of sporting history with a remarkable collection of accolades.

Across his senior career, he garnered an impressive fifteen individual medals at the highest echelons of international athletics competitions. These individual triumphs include his crowning achievement, a gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics in the challenging 20-kilometer race walk, solidifying his status as an Olympic champion. He further demonstrated his consistent excellence by securing two additional Olympic bronze medals, in Los Angeles in 1984 and Seoul in 1988, underscoring a decade of unparalleled dominance in his discipline. His prowess extended to the World Championships, where he claimed two gold medals – first in Helsinki in 1983 and again on home soil in Rome in 1987, cementing his place as a global leader in race walking. Additionally, he earned two European Championship medals, a silver in 1982 and a bronze in 1978, further showcasing his consistent top-tier performance.

Beyond these individual glories, Damilano's contributions to the Italian national team were also instrumental, bringing his total medal count, including team events such as the World Race Walking Cup where national pride is on full display, to an impressive twenty-two. His remarkable consistency and sustained success, competing at the very highest level for over a decade, made him a beacon of Italian athletics, inspiring a generation of athletes in a discipline that demands incredible mental fortitude, technical precision, and physical stamina.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maurizio Damilano

When and where was Maurizio Damilano born?

Maurizio Damilano was born on April 6, 1957, in Scarnafigi, a charming comune located in the Piedmont region of Italy.

What sport is Maurizio Damilano known for?

Maurizio Damilano is primarily known as an Italian former professional race walker, a demanding athletic discipline.

What are his most significant individual achievements?

Among his most significant individual achievements are a gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, two bronze medals at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics, and two gold medals at the World Championships in 1983 and 1987.

How many medals did Maurizio Damilano win in total?

He won a total of 15 individual medals at the senior level in international athletics competitions. Including team events, his total medal count rises to an impressive 22.

What is race walking?

Race walking is an Olympic discipline in athletics that differs from running in that one foot must appear to be in contact with the ground at all times, and the advancing leg must be straightened (not bent at the knee) from the moment of first contact with the ground until the vertical upright position.