Elisa Di Francisca was born in Jesi in 1982 and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in fencing, winning both the individual and team foil events at the 2012 London Olympics, as well as a silver medal in the individual event at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She has also achieved success at the World Championships, winning 7 gold medals, 5 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals in the same events, with her most recent victories coming at the 2014 Kazan and 2015 Moscow Championships. Additionally, she has 13 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals from the European Championships, with her most recent gold coming in Düsseldorf in 2019. However, her success in fencing is not the only story she has to tell.
Elisa has experienced a past of violence and possessiveness in a previous relationship, which she has chosen to share with others, especially women. She has encouraged others to love and respect themselves and to report any signs of abuse immediately. At the age of 18, Elisa fell in love with a boy who became extremely jealous and controlling. She even stopped fencing for a while to be with him. However, once she ended the relationship, her life became a nightmare as he continued to control her every move and eventually became physically abusive towards her.
Emanuele Lambertini, born in Cento in 1999, is a wheelchair fencer who hails from San Giovanni in Persiceto in Italy. He is currently studying automation engineering at the University of Bologna with the goal of creating new prosthetics. In addition to his academic pursuits, Emanuele is also a talented musician and composer. Despite facing a rare vascular malformation in his right leg that worsened over time, he maintained a positive attitude and never gave up on pursuing his dreams.
Emanuele underwent numerous painful treatments both in Italy and abroad before ultimately having his right leg amputated above the knee at the age of 8 and a half. He recalls the moment when the doctor suggested amputation as a solution to his condition while he was in a hospital in France. Instead of letting this setback define him, Emanuele has embraced his differences with a sunny and resilient outlook on life. He serves as an inspiration to others by showing that one can overcome adversity with determination and a positive mindset.
Elisa’s and Emanuele’s stories serve as powerful reminders of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Elisa’s success in fencing despite facing challenges in her personal life, and Emanuele’s perseverance in pursuing his dreams despite his physical limitations, are both examples of overcoming adversity with courage and determination. Their stories highlight the importance of self-love, respect, and the courage to speak out against abuse. By sharing their experiences, they inspire others to believe in themselves and to never give up on their dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face.
Both Elisa and Emanuele continue to excel in their respective fields, proving that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. Their stories remind us that our struggles do not define us, but rather shape us into stronger individuals. Through their achievements, they inspire others to embrace their uniqueness, chase their dreams, and never lose hope, even in the face of adversity. They are true examples of resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit to triumph over challenges.
