Assunta Legnante

Assunta Legnante is an Italian professional shot putter, born on March 14, 1978, in Naples, Italy. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Legnante began her professional career in shot put before being diagnosed with macular degeneration, leading to her participation in the Paralympics, where she won multiple titles, including two Paralympic gold medals.

Legnante is known for her incredible strength, accuracy, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, including the world record in the F11 shot put category.

Off the field, Legnante is also recognized for her resilience and influence, inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Legnante was born and raised in Naples and began her shot put career in her teens. She made her first international appearance in 1997.

World Championships

• Early Success: Legnante won a gold medal in the 2007 World Championships in Osaka. She also won a silver medal in the 2005 Mediterranean Games in Almería, Spain.

Paralympics

• Transition: In 2009, Legnante was diagnosed with macular degeneration, leading to her participation in the Paralympics. She won gold medals in both the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games.

Italy National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Italy in 1997.

Achievements:

• World Championships: Gold medalist in 2007.
• Mediterranean Games: Silver medalist in 2005.
• Paralympic Games: Gold medalist in 2012 and 2016.

• Position: Primarily a shot putter, but also excels in discus throw.
• Skills: Known for her incredible strength, accuracy, and resilience. Legnante is celebrated for her versatility and determination.

• Family: Information about Legnante's family is not publicly available.
• Advocacy: Legnante is involved in advocacy for athletes with disabilities, and has publicly spoken about her experiences with visual impairment.

• Assunta Legnante is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her resilience, determination, and advocacy for athletes with disabilities. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the field, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

World Record in F11 Shot Put:

• 12.15 meters

World Championships:

• Gold medal in 2007

Mediterranean Games:

• Silver medal in 2005

Paralympic Games:

• Gold medals in 2012 and 2016

Books

• Legnante, A. (2013) Assunta: The Story of a Champion. Italy: Rizzoli.

Websites

• IPC: Information about Assunta Legnante’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org
• Italian Athletics Federation: Details about Legnante’s career in Italy. Available at: https://www.fidal.it

Articles

• The Guardian: Assunta Legnante: From blindness to Paralympic gold. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/sep/01/assunta-legnante-paralympic-shot-put

Interviews and Documentaries

• Assunta: The Story of a Champion (2013): Directed by Assunta Legnante. This autobiography provides a detailed look at Legnante’s life and career, featuring personal accounts of her experiences.