Born: 1982 (Jesi, Italy)
Elisa Di Francisca (born 13 December 1982) is an Italian former fencer. She became Olympic Champion at the Games of the XXX Olympiad in London 2012 both in the individual and in the team Foil competition. She also won the silver medal at the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 in the individual foil event. Winner of the World Cup in 2011 and 2015, she was seven times world champion and thirteen times European champion between individual and team events, as well as the winner of the gold medal at the Mediterranean Games in Mersin 2013 always in the individual. She is considered one of the strongest Italian fencers ever. She is a member of the Gruppo Sportivo Fiamme Oro.
Raised in Jesi, like her colleagues Giovanna Trillini and Valentina Vezzali, Di Francisca is the eldest daughter of Giacomo, a Sicilian from Villarosa in the province of Enna, and Ombretta Trovarelli. She has a sister, Martina, and a brother, Michele. Di Francisca graduated from the socio-psycho-pedagogical high school.
Di Francisca began her fencing career on the platform with her sister Martina and her brother Michele. Before fencing, she briefly tried her hand at dancing. She started fencing under the guidance of her teacher, Ezio Triccoli, alongside Giulio Tommassini and Stefano Cerioni. In 1995, she became the Italian champion in the girls category. The following year, she won the silver medal at the Italian championships in the students category. In 2000, she finished second in the young Italian championships and third in the absolute ones. In 2003, she once again stood on the podium in the same competitions.
In 2004, at the age of 22, Di Francisca made her international debut with the Italian national team, winning gold in team foil at the World Championships in New York and finishing fifth at the European Championships in Copenhagen, where she also won bronze in team foil. The following year, she placed fifth at the World Championships in Leipzig and first in the World Cup stage in Havana. In 2006, she finished seventh at the World Championships in Turin and second at the European Championships.
In 2008, Di Francisca qualified for the Beijing Olympics, but her sights were already set on the London Olympics. In the 2008/09 season, she finished second at a World Cup event and continued to train diligently for her Olympic dream.
Di Francisca’s hard work paid off at the London Olympics in 2012, where she achieved remarkable success. She became the Olympic Champion both in the individual and team Foil competition, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination. Her performances on the fencing strip captivated audiences and solidified her place in women’s fencing history. Di Francisca’s remarkable talent and dedication propelled her to become one of the strongest Italian fencers of all time.
She continued to strive for greatness and went on to win the silver medal at the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, further cementing her legacy in the sport.
In addition to her Olympic achievements, Di Francisca also achieved success in other prestigious competitions. She won the World Cup in 2011 and 2015, demonstrating her consistent excellence in the sport. Over the course of her career, she became a seven-time world champion and thirteen-time European champion in both individual and team events, showcasing her dominance and skill in the sport.
Outside of fencing, Di Francisca also participated in the ninth edition of the television program Dancing with the Stars in 2013 and won the competition alongside her dance partner Raimondo Todaro. Her versatility and ability to excel in various disciplines further highlight her exceptional talent and determination.
Elisa Di Francisca’s impact extends beyond her individual accomplishments. As one of the strongest Italian fencers ever, she has inspired countless aspiring athletes in Italy and around the world. Her dedication, perseverance, and unmatched skill have left an indelible mark on the sport of fencing and continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
Awards:
– Olympic Champion in individual and team Foil at the Games of the XXX Olympiad in London 2012
– Silver medalist in the individual foil event at the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro in 2016
– Winner of the World Cup in 2011 and 2015
– Seven-time world champion in both individual and team events
– Thirteen-time European champion in both individual and team events
– Gold medalist at the Mediterranean Games in Mersin 2013 in the individual event.