The Associated Press is reporting that Italian Olympic Champion Valentina Vezzali was in a serious car crash this week. It reports that she is now recovering in the hospital with serious, but not life threatening injuries.
The article quotes her as saying “I’m Fine, but was very scared” and reports doctors aren’t sure when she will be able to return to action.
You can read a transcript of the story below:
I’m wishing her a speedy recovery!
Was just sent this from Liz Cross, the executive director of Fencers Club. -Tim
For Immediate Release: (MAY 24, 2010, NEW YORK CITY)
From June 18 to June 20, 2010, New York City and Fencers Club, along with the US Fencing Association, will host a Fencing World Cup at The Marriott New York at the Brooklyn Bridge. Fencers Club is the designated host club for this World Cup event, and is working to create a spectacular experience for athletes and spectators to welcome the World Cup back to New York City for the first time since 2004.
Among those competing will be two-time Olympic gold medalist Mariel Zagunis of the United States and three-time Olympic gold medalist Valentina Vezzali of Italy. Notable New York-based fencers include Tim Morehouse and Jason Rogers, 2008 Olympic Silver Medalists, Nzingha Prescod, two-time cadet world champion, and many other Senior National Team members. Athletes in men’s saber, women’s saber, and women’s foil from over 20 countries will be competing in one of the last international events before November’s World Championships in Paris.
Fencing is a fast-paced and exciting sport which requires a unique blend of athleticism, tactics, and focus. There are three weapons – saber, foil, and epee –all of which have unique pacing and strategies. Fencers are known to be some of the most well-rounded athletes. Fencers Club has sent its athletes to some of the best colleges and universities in the country, and Sports Illustrated named the US Fencing delegation to the 2008 Beijing Olympics the “Brainiest Team.” Fencing has a particularly distinguished and successful record in the New York community –the six Beijing medalists from New York were all fencers.
Fencers Club is a nonprofit organization founded in 1883. Fencers Club has a long history of developing talented international-level athletes while also providing a number of fencing- and academic- related community service programs throughout the city.
All spectators are welcome free of charge. Commentators will be Keeth Smart, Silver Medalist in Sabre and Erinn Smart, Silver Medalist in Foil from the 2008 Beijing Games.
For more information about the World Cup or about Fencers Club, please contact:
Elizabeth Cross
Executive Director
Nice to see fencing on TV…even if its in Korea! Congrats to Valentina Vezzali (ITA) on world cup victory #71!
Thanks to Yuki Work Work for the pictures!
