Vittorio Loi, ‘father’ of Italian Wheelchair Fencing, dies aged 72

15/10/2015

After a successful career as an athlete, winning 10 Paralympic medals at 3 Paralympic Games, Vittorio turned his passion to coaching and promoting Wheelchair Fencing.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vittorio Loi in Rome, aged 72; a longtime friend of IWAS and pillar in the Wheelchair Fencing family.

Known as the ‘father’ of Italian Wheelchair Fencing, Vittorio was the proud owner of 10 Paralympic medals from 3 Paralympic Games as well as many World Championship titles from 1962 to 1974. After his years as a successful athlete drew to a close, Vittorio turned his hand to coaching and to the development of Wheelchair Fencing in Italy where he was known for his passion and enthusiasm for the sport and its athletes. His contributions to the governance of Wheelchair Fencing were also felt internationally during his long term involvement with the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Executive Board.

Vittorio will be remembered as not only an ambassador of the sport of Wheelchair Fencing, but also as a warm and wonderful man. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him and we thank him for all he has done.