Matteo Galvan of Italy (left) in action during the Boys' 200m semi-final (© Getty Images)
Matteo Galvan, the 200m bronze medallist at last year’s IAAF World Youth Championships in Marrakech, Morocco stole the limelight at the Italian Junior Championships held in Rieti this past weekend.
The 17-year-old concluded a sprint double with victory in 10.54 at 100m on Friday and 20.87 at 200m on Sunday.
His winning time at the la test distance stands as the third best Under 20 Italian performance of all time and the best ever for a 17-year-old.
Galvan now represents his country’s best chances for a final and why not a medal at the World Junior Championships in Beijing.
“I will calmly prepare for the World Juniors,” was his only response.
There was a sprint double also in the women’s category with Martina Giovanetti clocking 11.76 and 24.05 to win the 100m and the 200m races respectively.
The national junior record holder, Elena Scalpellini took the women’s Pole Vault junior title with a best jump of 4.05m.
Edoardo Guaschino won the men’s 400m Hurdles final in 54.39 and was followed by the pre-event favourite Leonardo Capotosti (54.70) who struggled over the last hurdle.
“I try to run like Jeremy Wariner,” said Guaschino. “He’s fantastic at 400m flat. But I believe the hurdles will be my future.”
The women’s final was taken by Zoe Anello in 1:01.89 who had a massive margin over runner up Elisa Mazzucco (1:03.59).
Fidal for the IAAF
