Stefano CERIONI

Stefano Cerioni seemed headed for the Olympic final in the 1984 individual foil competition, but squandered a 6-1 lead in the semi-final against his team mate Mauro Numa, and had to settle for bronze. Just 5 days later, the two teamed up for the team foil event, and led Italy to a gold medal. Cerioni was a temperamental fighter, which cost him dearly in 1986. After insulting the judges at the World Championships, he was suspended from competition for a full year. He returned in time for the Seoul Olympics and took the individual gold medal. Cerioni, who also won the team World Championship in 1994, became Italy's national foil fencing coach in 2005.