Thirteen athletes to represent Italy at Doha 2015

The Italian Federation of Paralympic and Experimental Sports (FISPES), has announced a team of 13 athletes set to line up at this month’s IPC Athletics World Championships, which take place in Doha, Qatar, from 21-31 October.

Headlining the team is Martina Caironi, the reigning 100m and long jump world champion. The 26-year-old has already shown great form this year, breaking her own 100m and 200m world records and equalling the long jump record of 4.60m.

The Paralympic, world and European shot put F11 champion Assunta Legnante will also be hoping to defend her title in Doha as she returns to action after injury.

A mix of experience and youth makes up the Italian team as Alvise de Vidi takes on the role as team captain. De Vidi, the most medalled Paralympic athlete in Italian history, will compete in the 100m and 400m T51.

Emanuele Di Marino (100m, 200m and 400m T44), Oney Tapia (shot put and discus throw F11), Federica Maspero (200m and 400m T43), Arjola Dedaj (100m, 200m and long jump T11) and Monica Contrafatto (100m T42), a former soldier in Afghanistan, all make their World Championship debut in Qatar.

The full team is as follows:

Women

• Martina Caironi - 100m and long jump T42

• Oxana Corso – 100m and 200m T35

• Assunta Legnante – shot put F11

• Arjola Dedaj – 100m, 200m and long jump T11

• Carmen Acunto – shot put, discus and javelin throw F55

• Giusy Versace – 100m and 200m T43

• Monica Contrafatto – 100m T42

• Federica Maspero – 200m and 400m T43

Men

• Alvise De Vidi – 100m and 400m T51

• Emanuele Di Marino – 100m, 200m, and 400m T44

• Ruud Koutiki – 400m T20

• Roberto La Barbera – long jump T44

• Oney Tapia – shot put and discus throw F11

The IPC Athletics World Championships will take place in Doha, Qatar, between 21-31 October, attracting 1,400 athletes from 100 countries.

To buy tickets, please head to this website.