Italy’s Historic Success at the 2023 World Arm Wrestling Championships
At the World Arm Wrestling Championships, which concluded Sunday evening in Gardone Riviera, Nicola Schivalocchi, from Roè Volciano, a computer programmer, finished third in the 75 kg category. Following Russia ’99 and the United States (Virginia) 2000, “Nick the Fast” (as he’s called in the community) secured his third consecutive bronze medal. Emanuele Bruni, from Viterbo, placed second in the 110 kg category, also on his right arm. These are the two best results achieved by the Italian team.
They are worth much more than the placements of varesino Mauro Callegaro (gold with the left hand and silver with the right, in the 100 kg category, but among the masters, meaning competitors over 40 years old) or the Verona-based Massimo Gasparini (second in the 90 kg category, but among left-handers). On the last day, bronze medals were also awarded to Fausta Zanini from Valcamonica (70 kg), Maria Stefania Tiozzo from Rovigo (80 kg), Alessandra Manegatti from Rosolina Mare (65 kg), and Patrizia De Angelis from Turin (60 kg), all using their dominant arm.
Results and rankings
The Bergamasque Annarella Brevi (weighing over 80 kg) also finished third, but with her left arm. In 22 editions of the World Championships, Italy had never accumulated such a haul. In the superheavyweight category, over 110 kg, Russian Alan Karaev, a bodyguard for a general, repeated his victory with the right hand after winning with the left, once again defeating Clive Dean, who gained international fame for participating in the film “Over the Top,” with Sylvester Stallone.
The American competitor weighs 260 kg and needs assistance from friends when moving. A cane allows him to walk a short distance. Dean, who is of a certain age, has made a comeback among the masters. In the nation-by-nation ranking, Russia surpassed, in order, the United States, Brazil, Ukraine, Italy (fifth, a first in history), and Turkey.
Karaev took home the thousand dollars reserved for the winner of the super match for the strongest competitors. He is, indeed, the “arm of gold” man of 2001. At the end of the event, the mayor of Bagolino, Marco Scalvini, distributed the awards provided by his municipality: to Callegaro, Bruni, and Francesco Alborghetti, who competed among disabled athletes (Francesco is visually impaired). A recognition was also given to Frankie Bean, president of the USA Federation: a symbolic gesture to remember the tragedy of the Twin Towers’ collapse in New York.
Numerous politicians responded to the call: Giuseppe Romele, Guglielmo Castagnetti, regional councilor Franco Nicoli Cristiani, Giovan Maria Flocchini. Idris enlivened the atmosphere and the final show. Yesterday, the athletes (480) began leaving hotels and returning home. The Japanese stayed to visit Verona and Venice—a visit not to be missed.
Others, like the Americans, enchanted by Lake Garda, promised to return next summer for vacation. Meanwhile, they noted down the names of the best restaurants on their agendas. “Everyone, when leaving, thanked us for the hospitality, confident that they participated in one of the most beautiful World Championships in recent times. Truly a great satisfaction for us, who had to work tirelessly for an entire year,” states Claudio Rizza, originally from Gardone Riviera, later moved to Roè Volciano, president of the Italian Federation.
“I use this opportunity to thank the sponsors: Technopartner by Danilo Corsini, Enercon by Daniele Tamburini, Dragon Fly by Carlo Dragoni, and Ramco Europe by Giancarlo Frizzi. Not to forget the efforts of Giorgio Riello and Lorena Mandelli, who literally went above and beyond organizing everything flawlessly.” Next year, the event will be held in Egypt, at Sharm El Sheik. Italy, Spain, Turkey, Brazil, and the USA requested the head of the World Federation, Indian official Barij Baran Das, who a couple of weeks ago urged all nations not to come to Italy due to the war and safety risks.
Russia, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic have instead called for patience and advised evaluating the situation with a clear head.
