From oxygen cylinder to setting tracks on fire at World Para Athletics

Italian para-athlete Carlo Fabio Marcello Calcagni proved that the strength of the human spirit outweighs physical ailment, securing a gold medal

Hyderabad: Despite suffering from sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and a dependence on an oxygen cylinder, Italian para-athlete Carlo Fabio Marcello Calcagni proved that the strength of the human spirit outweighs physical ailment, securing a gold medal and setting a new championship record in the men’s 400m T72 final on Day 2 of the IndianOil New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in Delhi.

The former Italian army colonel powered his three-wheeled frame across the finish line with an impressive time of 59.91 seconds, later declaring that the true victory was not the medal itself, but the chance “to live and not to survive.”

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He is also the world record holder in this category (59.43 seconds).

“I was the world champion in Kobe last year. And it’s more difficult to repeat. Because I have a very big responsibility, as I am the world champion”, said Carlo.

Joao Matos Marques Cunha of Brazil bagged the silver medal and Piotr Siejwa of Poland managed the bronze medal with his season best performance.

Carlo talked about his health conditions right after securing the top place in the race. He is suffering from sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

“My responsibility is big. But for me, the most important thing is not the medal. Today should be better than yesterday. I survived my health problem, a very big health problem, but my life is all thanks to the sport”, said the former Italian army officer.

Calcagni enlisted in the Italian Army in January 1988. During his service, he served as a helicopter pilot and paratrooper. In 1996, he was dispatched on a peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he breathed heavy metal powers. By 2002, Calcagni discovered that he had fallen ill; this resulted in him being diagnosed with numerous neurological diseases.

During his time in the army, he held the rank of colonel.

Despite suffering from multiple health problems, Carlo pushed hard in New Delhi’s scorching heat to get another accolade under his belt.

“I am trying to set a new world record. The present world record is mine. But I try to do better than that. This is my focus”, stressed Carlo during his press meet.

When asked about his experience in New Delhi, he responded positively.

“It’s very hot and I like it. I love the hot weather, because of my neurological problem. I have sclerosis and Parkinson’s and a lot of problems. I have only one lung, I have had some transplants, I have this oxygen (cylinder) with me every time, but I love the hot, because the pain that I have in my whole body, every time with hot, it feels less. I feel better”, said Carlo.

“Excellent. Very, very excellent”, said Carlo when asked about the newly built Mondo track at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.