CISM announces Athlete of the Year 2024 winners: Simona Aebersold and Giuseppe Campoccio

BRUSSELS (BEL) - CISM has officially announced the winners of the prestigious Athlete of the Year Award for 2024. This year, the honor is awarded to Private First-Class Simona Aebersold from Switzerland in the sport of orienteering and Lieutenant Colonel Giuseppe Campoccio from Italy in track and field para-athletics. Their exceptional performances, unwavering dedication, and inspiring journeys have earned them this well-deserved recognition.

Private First-Class Simona Aebersold has demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency in orienteering, securing multiple victories at the 52nd World Military Orienteering Championship 2024 in Cartagena, Spain. She claimed first place in the Women’s Individual Middle-Distance and Long-Distance races, as well as the Sprint Relay and Women’s Relay races, while also leading her team to victory in the Women’s Team Classification. Her dominance in military orienteering is mirrored by her success on the international stage, where she won the Women’s Long Distance title at the World Orienteering Championships 2023. With remarkable precision and endurance, Aebersold continues to be a leading figure in the sport, representing both her country and the military sports community with distinction.

Lieutenant Colonel Giuseppe Campoccio has established himself as a dominant figure in para-athletics. Competing in shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw, he delivered an outstanding performance at the 1st World Military Para Athletics Championship 2024 in Jesolo, Italy, where he claimed gold in all three events. His achievements extend beyond military competitions, as he also secured a silver medal in shot put at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris, earning a qualification spot for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Unfortunately, just weeks before the Paralympics, medical complications prevented him from competing. Despite this setback, Campoccio’s previous accomplishments remain a testament to his exceptional talent and determination. Competing in the F33 category, he has held world titles in shot put in both 2022 and 2023.

His impact on para-sports extends beyond the competition field. After sustaining a life-changing injury during a military exercise in 1991, he was honorably discharged and awarded the Medal for Wounded in Service. Since then, he has become a passionate advocate for the Paralympic movement and the power of sports in physical and psychological rehabilitation. Through his perseverance and achievements, he has solidified his place as a pioneer in Italian Military Paralympic athletics and an inspiration to many.

Both athletes will be honored and presented with their awards at the CISM General Assembly in May 2025 in Sri Lanka. Their achievements embody the spirit of military sports, demonstrating excellence, resilience, and a commitment to pushing the limits of human potential. Through their outstanding performances and dedication, Simona Aebersold and Giuseppe Campoccio continue to inspire athletes worldwide and elevate the prestige of CISM competitions.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)