Francesco Balzanelli: Mantuan Sports Legend and Multiple Italian Champion

Francesco Balzanelli is a true institution in Mantuan sports. A close friend of Sara Simeoni, he has been awarded honorary citizenship of Brescia and Verona for his numerous national-level successes. His medal collection is extremely rich. Just seven years ago, at the age of 58, he was undefeated in the shot put discipline.

Overall, his palmarès includes twenty Italian titles (15 in shot put and 5 in discus), spanning divisions of masters, amateurs, and veterans. On February 20, 1993, after winning yet another indoor title, when asked about his future plans, he replied: “I am pleased with my sporting results, and I consider the competition a beautiful and exciting satisfaction, while training is a motivation to improve.” That was his last competition.

Career and Achievements

For many years, Balzanelli represented the colors of Libertas Mantova, collecting countless successes. A true record holder. Among the many notes written alongside articles reporting his victories, one refers to the passing of a friend and fellow athlete, Mirko Ferroni, who died at age 44.

Balzanelli writes: “A few months before he died, we competed together at Commessaggio to earn points for the club. Being 12 years younger than me, he should have won. I won, and I asked him if he had let me win on purpose. He said no. He was already in physical decline but continued training.”