Filippo Macchi is more than just a rising star in the world of fencing; he’s a product of a family steeped in the sport’s rich traditions. Born in Pontedera in 2001, he excelled at the Circolo Scherma Navacchio, a club founded by his grandfather, Carlo. It seems that fencing was almost a given for Filippo, given the accolades the family has collected over the years. Still, growing up, he dabbled in karate and football before finally committing to foil, a choice that has since paid off handsomely.

His recent triumphs at the 2024 Olympics—two silver medals, one in individual and one in the team event—bear testament to his developing prowess. Competing against the best, he showed depth and versatility, undoubtedly shaped by hard-fought training sessions under his grandfather’s watchful eye and the influential figures at Fiamme Oro. Just shy of the gold in team competition against Japan tugs at a youthful ambition, serving both as a benchmark and a reminder of the competition’s fierce nature.

Despite the pressure, life outside the piste includes pursuits as mundane as following his local football team, Pisa, or jamming to trap music—a slice of normalcy that maintains his grounded spirit. Interestingly, Filippo is dating Giulia Amore, a talented fencer herself, which adds another layer to their familial sports dynamic, intertwining both passion and profession.

With a promising future ahead and a supportive network, Filippo stands at the precipice of greatness. However, the shadows of expectations loom large; although he’s conquered Europe, the stakes at the next Olympics will surely test the very fiber of his resolve. It’s not simply about medals, but rather, carving out an identity in a sport where the legacy of family plays a heavy role—and in the end, it’s about doing honor to that legacy, even amidst all the uncertainties of the competition.