A Shapian is Kayaking to the Beijing Olympics
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Italian WO Gianpiero Di Giuseppe, SHAPE Athletics Superintendent. |
Italian WO Gianpiero Di Giuseppe, SHAPE Athletics Superintendent, has been appointed by the Italian Olympics Committee to take part as official trainer of the Italian Olympic Kayak team for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games.
This is the first time that a Shapian has been asked to participate in the Olympics. This achievement is not only a great honour for SHAPE, but particularly to Di Giuseppe. His previous efforts in Italy’s National Armed Forces, his prior Olympic success and his work with the management of the SHAPE Athletics programme are further confirmation of his outstanding knowledge and experience.
Since his arrival in 2006 Di Giuseppe (GP to his numerous friends) has committed himself to giving the SHAPE community his service and support. His professional and personal qualities are well-known and highly appreciated by the SHAPE community and his concern and enthusiasm for the quality of life on SHAPE is admired. Seniors, peers and subordinates equally respect him.
From 1992 to 2004, before moving to SHAPE, Di Giuseppe was appointed by the Italian Armed Forces as a trainer attached to the Olympic Committee. This experience helped him to lead the Italian Olympic teams he coached to attain the following results:
•1994 World Championship Mexico City - 1 silver and 1 bronze medal
•1995 World Championship Duisburg Germany - 2 gold medals and entire team qualified for Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games
•1996 Atlanta Olympic Games - 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal
•1997 European Championship Plovdiv (BUL) - 4 gold and 2 bronze medals
•1997 World Championship Dortmund (CAN) - 1 gold, 6 silver and 1 bronze medal
•1998 World Championship Szeged (HUN) - 2 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze medal
•1999 World Championship Milan – qualification for Sydney 2000 Olympic games
•1999 European Championship Zagabria (CRO) - 3 gold medals
•2000 Sydney Olympic Games - 2 gold medals and all crews in Finals
•2000 European Championship Poznan (POL) - 1 gold and 3 silver medals
•2002 World Championship Seville (SPA) - 2 bronze medals
•2004 Olympic Games Athens 2004 - 2 silver medals
Being secure in the knowledge that our SHAPE community spirit will be with Gianpiero, will help encourage him to deliver a great performance in his fourth Olympic Games and so we take this opportunity to wish him Buona Fortuna GP!!!!!!!’
Steve Richardson
Deputy Chief, Athletics