Nine gold medals, six silver and 17 bronze. That makes a total of 32 podium finishes: CUS Bologna’s haul at the National University Championships in Eastern Piedmont. On the final day of competition, a gold medal was secured in taekwondo, thanks to Hristina Milijkovic in the -67kg green-blue category. Also in taekwondo, two bronze medals were won by Elena Montroni (black belt +67kg) and Elisabetta Badioli (black belt -49kg). Francesca Amarante secured another bronze medal in karate (kumite -68), whilst athletics provided another silver medal in the men’s high jump with Andrea Magnano.
Margherita Mezzetti, President of CUS Bologna, who grew up with athletics, is particularly pleased with the athletics results. “A small squad due to last-minute injuries, but good results: after years, we managed to win a medal in the 100m with Filippo Paganelli and saw Andrea Magnano retain his form, this time taking home a silver medal in the high jump. A bit of bad luck with three fourth-place finishes, but prestigious placings and plenty of personal bests broken.”
Silvia Lombardi and Daniele Frascari focus on taekwondo. “This weekend’s away trip was one of the largest in our history, with a delegation that stood out not only for the results achieved, but above all for the spirit they brought to the competition. Seeing so many athletes supporting one another, cheering together and tackling every event with enthusiasm and a smile made the team atmosphere truly unique and special. Every athlete gave their all, representing our colours with commitment, passion and great sportsmanship. Our goal for next year will be to build on our success in the forms and freestyle disciplines, whilst also aiming to achieve more in sparring. A special thank you to our whole group of tireless supporters.”
The final word goes to Federico Golinelli, the karate coach. “We got off to a great start with the medals won by Francesco Pignatti and Matteo Guandalini. These are athletes competing for the second time – the third time for Francesco. Then, in the women’s competition, we secured another medal with Francesca Amarante. It was a particularly intense two days. And the best thing is that even those who didn’t make it onto the podium gave their all, embracing the team and group spirit. And that is the most inspiring aspect of our sport.”
CUS Bologna’s medal tally
Gold (9): Fabrizio Di Marco (épée); Valentin Ciobanu (wrestling); Sofia Bragagni (judo); Gaia Ragazzini (trap); Nicola Ravaioli (tennis, men’s singles); Vittoria Modesti-Clara Sansoni (tennis, women’s doubles); Diego Gessaroli (taekwondo, Koryo); Allegra Grassi (taekwondo, freestyle); Hristina Milijkovic (taekwondo, sparring, -67kg green-blue).
Silver (6): Enrico Libri (freestyle wrestling); Giada Likaj (épée); Claudia Barbeitos (judo); Filippo Paganelli (athletics, 100m hurdles); Allegra Grassi (taekwondo); Andrea Magnano (high jump, athletics).
Bronze (17): Francesca Amarante (karate, kumite -68); Elisabetta Badioli (taekwondo, black belt -49); Elena Montroni (taekwondo, black belt +67); Dumitru Hasan (wrestling); Gian Marco Coppari, Riccardo Bertolini, Alex Boldini, Giacomo Lodi and Mattia Castellani (judo); team judo; Irem Balbay-Nefeli Ppali (table tennis, women’s doubles); Vittoria Modesti (tennis, women’s singles); Nicola Ravaioli-Andrea Valli (tennis, men’s doubles); Matteo Guandalini (karate, kumite -75); Francesco Pignatti (karate, kumite -67); Linda Cecchi (taekwondo, freestyle); Hristina Milijkovic (taekwondo, poomsae 5th dan).
Press Office - CUS Bologna ASD
