From tatami to pool: military athletes achieve Olympic success

PARIS (FRA) - On the fourth day of medal events at the Paris 2024 Olympics, military athletes from CISM Member Nations showcased once against their exceptional skills and secured podium finishes across various sports.

Corporal Angela Andreoli (picture: Ministerio della Difesa)

In Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team, Italy's Corporal Angela Andreoli, alongside teammates Alice D'Amato, Manila Esposito, Elisa Iorio, and Giorgia Villa, claimed the silver medal with a stunning performance. Brazil’s military athletes also made their mark with Sergeant Jade Fernandes Barbosa, Sergeant Lorrane Dos Santos Oliveira, and Sergeant Flavia Lopes Saraiva taking the bronze, highlighting their impressive teamwork and dedication.

Sergeant Jade Fernandes Barbosa, Sergeant Lorrane Dos Santos Oliveira, and Sergeant Flavia Lopes Saraiva (picture: Força Aérea Brasileira)

Judo saw a spectacular victory for Slovenia's Andreja Leški, who clinched the gold medal in the Women's -63 kg category by defeating Mexico's Prisca Awiti Alcaraz with an ippon. Andreja Leški won gold at the 40th WMC Judo in France in 2021 ! France's Adjudant Clarisse Agbegnenou demonstrated her prowess on the tatami, earning a bronze medal after overcoming Austria's Lubjana Piovesana.

In Table Tennis Mixed Doubles, Romanian Corporal Bernadette Szocs and her partner Ovidiu Ionescu finished in a commendable fifth place, showcasing their synergy and competitive spirit.

Slovenian Andreja Leški (picture: Slovenia Olympic Team)

The Fencing Women's Épée Team event brought gold for Italy, with 1st Corporal Mara Navarria and Corporal Rossella Fiamingo leading their team, which included Giulia Rizzi and Alberta Santuccio, to the top of the podium. The Ukrainian team, featuring OR-6 Dzhoan Feibi Bezhura, OR-8 Darya Varfolomeyeva, Military Reserve Vlada Kharkova, and OF-2 Olena Kryvytska, finished in sixth place after a valiant effort.

In Swimming, Sergent David Aubry from France competed fiercely in the Men's 800m Freestyle, finishing fifth with a time of 7:43.59, just 5.40 seconds behind Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen, who took the gold.

1st Corporal Mara Navarria and Corporal Rossella Fiamingo with their teammates Giulia Rizzi and Alberta Santuccio (picture: FIE 2024 Augusto Bizzi & Eva Pavia)

The fourth day of competition highlighted the exceptional talents and perseverance of military athletes from CISM Member Nations, with standout performances and multiple medals underscoring their dedication and skill on the international stage.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)