Paolo Pizzo

Paolo Pizzo was born on April 4, 1983, in Catania, Italy. He began fencing at the age of seven, introduced to the sport by his father. At 13, he faced a significant health challenge when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which required surgery and a period of rehabilitation. This experience later inspired him to write a book, ‘The Winning Thrust: How I Beat Cancer and Realised My Dream,’ and to serve as an ambassador for the Italian Association of Cancer Research (AIRC). His early life challenges are noted as a foundational element of his resilient mindset.

His fencing career saw him join the CS Aeronautica Militare club. Pizzo progressed through the ranks, achieving notable success in World Cup and Grand Prix events, earning multiple silver and bronze medals between 2009 and 2015. A significant career highlight was winning the gold medal in individual epee at the 2011 World Championships in Catania, Italy. He followed this with another gold in individual men’s épée at the 2017 World Fencing Championships in Leipzig, Germany, solidifying his status as a two-time world champion. He also competed in the 2012 London Olympic Games and secured a silver medal in the team men’s épée event at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Pizzo has also earned multiple silver medals at the European Championships, including individual medals in 2014 and 2017, and a team silver in 2016.

After initially announcing his retirement from the national team in May 2019 to focus on national tournaments and family, Pizzo returned to international competition following the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games. He has also transitioned into coaching, working as a physical and mental coach for young international athletes across different sports, including fencing and swimming. He is a member of the executive board of his NOC since 2021 and has been officially candidated in the executive board of the Italian fencing federation. He is married to Lavinia Bonessio, also an athlete, and they have two daughters.