Italian fencing phenom Vio chases European hat-trick

By Jarrel De Matas | For IWAS

Italy’s Paralympic champion Beatrice ‘Bebe’ Vio is hoping to make history once again at her home 2018 International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) Wheelchair Fencing European Championships in Terni, from 17-23 September.

The 21 year-old sensation, fresh off her gold medal success at the World Cup in Warsaw, Poland in July, is again gearing up for another title challenge.

The European Championships gives Vio the chance of completing a formidable hat-trick of regional titles in the women’s foil category B. And it will be an added incentive to achieve the remarkable feat in front of her home fans.

“I love to compete in Italy and I’m eager to have a good race, especially with my team” Vio said when asked about the prospect of competing in Italy.

The young, yet heavily decorated athlete, has every right to be excited for the challenge. She is no stranger to competing, having won the 2016 European Championships in Casale Monferrato, Italy. The following year saw Vio claim top spot on the podium again, this time in Rome at the World Championships. In 2014 Vio started her winning ways with European gold in Strasbourg, France.

With nerves of steel, Vio will be up for the challenge once again as she competes in front of her adoring Italian fans.

The ever-humble athlete gave credit to her supporters for inspiring her success and hopes to inspire others in the same way:

“Any competition is important for me because is a good way to show to people how wonderful is the world of Paralympic sports.”

Referring to the Paralympic Sport Award for Best Female Debut which she won last year Vio went on to say:

“In the last years I won many prizes like this, in Italy and outside, and all are really very important for me because my dream is to inspire and stimulate so many children with disabilities to leave home to play sports”

 Taking the time to reflect on her preparations ahead of the European Championships, Vio did not forget to heap praise on her team-mates:

“I always do my best, both in training and in the competition. But it’s not me, my real strength is the great team behind me. I never win alone, many people get on the podium with me.”

And casting a side glance at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics where she will try to defend her foil category B gold, the Italian went on to say:

“The route to Tokyo is very important for me especially for the promotion of Paralympic sport and of the Paralympics. I obviously want to win the gold medal also in Tokyo but my real goal is the gold medal with the team.”

The 2018 IWAS Wheelchair Fencing European Championships open in Terni on 17 September. Results will be available at the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing website.