From slopes to Shooting Range: Daila Dameno’s Paralympic Journey
At 56, Daila Dameno is a seasoned Paralympian, participating in her fourth Games. This time, though, she’s traded her skis and swimsuit for a bow and arrow, competing in the W1 category for tetraplegic athletes.
Dameno’s Paralympic journey began in 2004 wiht swimming at the Athens Games. She then transitioned to winter sports, securing a silver and bronze medal in slalom sitting and giant slalom sitting at the 2006 and 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Torino.
Two years ago, age and physical limitations led Dameno to seek a new athletic challenge. “A friend suggested archery, but I didn’t initially see it as a serious sport,” she admits. However, she quickly became captivated by its unique blend of physical and mental demands.
“Once you master the technical aspects, archery becomes a journey of self-reflection,” Dameno explains. “It’s helped me become more mindful in my daily life, considering the impact of my actions. Being on the range is a solitary experience, a constant dialog with myself.”
while the mental aspect is crucial, archery is also physically demanding. Each arrow requires pulling back a bow with 40 pounds of tension (approximately 18 kilograms), and Dameno fires around 200 arrows during a training session.
Dameno’s rapid progress is remarkable. In July 2022,she debuted at the Italian championships in lanciano,securing a second-place finish. Shortly after, she triumphed at the indoor Italian Championships in Faenza. “I started for fun,then peopel told me I was good,and here I am,” she says with a smile.
A Paralympic Legacy: Archery’s Pioneering Role
Archery holds a unique place in Paralympic history. In 1948, German neurologist Ludwig Guttmann, a pioneer in using sport as rehabilitation therapy for war veterans, organized the first Stoke Mandeville games at the National Spinal Injuries Center in Stoke Mandeville, UK.
This precursor to the Paralympics featured a single archery event for 16 wheelchair athletes. The event’s success led to its annual recurrence, gradually incorporating new disciplines until evolving into the quadrennial Paralympic Games we know today.
Today, archery continues to be a testament to the power of sport to transcend physical limitations and inspire athletes like Daila Dameno to achieve greatness.
the Evolution and Inclusivity of Paralympic Archery
Paralympic archery, a sport deeply rooted in rehabilitation and athleticism, has come a long way as its debut at the 1960 Rome Paralympics. As Guglielmo Fuchsova, the long-standing technical director of the Italian Paralympic archery team, explains, archery’s initial appeal stemmed from its remarkable ability to aid in the recovery from spinal cord injuries.Over time, it evolved into a highly competitive sport, showcasing the amazing adaptability and resilience of athletes with disabilities.
One of the key factors contributing to archery’s selection as the first Paralympic sport was its inherent inclusivity. Unlike many other sports, archery allows individuals with diverse physical abilities to participate and excel. Athletes may use their feet, mouths, or other adaptive techniques to draw the bow, demonstrating the sport’s remarkable capacity to accommodate a wide range of needs.This inclusivity extends to competition, where Paralympic archers often compete alongside able-bodied athletes, achieving comparable results.
Today, Paralympic archery is divided into two main categories: Open and W1.The open category welcomes athletes who compete from wheelchairs, standing, or using stools, with some even using their legs to draw the bow due to upper limb limitations. Within the Open category, archers further specialize in either recurve or compound archery. Recurve archery, using the conventional bow design, is contested at 70 meters, while compound archery, featuring a more complex bow with pulleys and mechanical aids, is contested at 50 meters.
The W1 category is specifically designed for wheelchair users with limited arm function. Athletes in this category can choose between recurve and compound bows, competing at 50 meters. Notably, the W1 category limits the draw weight of all bows to 45 pounds to prevent exacerbating existing injuries.
The compound bow,often likened to a precision rifle due to its mechanical advantages,has sparked debate regarding its inclusion in the Olympics. While it offers increased accuracy and reduces physical strain, some argue that its technological advancements detract from the traditional essence of archery. Despite proposals, the compound bow remains exclusive to Paralympic competition, highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs of Paralympic athletes.
The Art and Precision of Paralympic Archery
Paralympic archery, much like its Olympic counterpart, demands incredible precision and focus. While watching it on television or in person might seem straightforward, the intricate process behind each shot often goes unnoticed.
Every arrow released tells a story, beginning with a full-body movement that requires careful attention.Archers must mentally rehearse the entire sequence: raising the bow, drawing it back, establishing contact, aiming, and releasing the arrow. As Daila Dameno, a prominent Paralympic archer, explains, ”The aim is just the tip of the iceberg.”
The goal in both Paralympic and Olympic archery is to land the arrow as close to the centre of the target as possible. This target consists of concentric circles, with the bullseye at the center scoring 10 points, decreasing in value as you move outwards. Both disciplines boast incredibly tight margins for error, with archers consistently achieving scores of 8, 9, or 10.
For archers,the ultimate reward is achieving the “perfect shot,” as Dameno describes it. “When you release it, you don’t even need to look as you already know it’s there, incredibly close to the perfect 10.” Even though the target can be distant and sometimes obscured from the archer’s view (Dameno’s discipline requires aiming at a target 50 meters away), a perfect shot is instantly recognizable. “Sometimes, my coach and I play a game where we try to guess where the arrow landed, and I already know where it is,” she adds.The lines between Paralympic and non-Paralympic archery are blurring, with more opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete alongside able-bodied athletes.Just eight years ago, only one or two Paralympic archers would qualify for the Italian national championships for able-bodied athletes. Today,this number has substantially increased,reflecting a growing inclusivity and recognition of the skill and dedication of paralympic archers.
The Evolution of Paralympic Sport: From Special to Spectacular
The Paralympic Games have undergone a remarkable change in recent years. No longer solely defined by the athletes’ disabilities, the focus has shifted towards celebrating their athletic prowess and demanding recognition as equals within the broader sporting world.
This shift is evident in the experiences of athletes like Daila Dameno, a veteran Paralympian who has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the movement. “It’s become a huge movement,” Dameno observes, comparing the current landscape to her first Paralympic games in Athens twenty years ago. “Everything has improved – the materials, the technology, everything. I call these the Olympics, not the Paralympics.”
This sentiment is echoed by Elisabetta Mijno, a paraplegic archer who has achieved significant success, including winning the Italian championships in 2022 and competing with the Italian Olympic team. Mijno’s story exemplifies the growing recognition of Paralympic athletes’ abilities and their integration into mainstream sporting circles.
The change in narrative is also reflected in the athletes’ own advocacy. They are increasingly vocal in demanding to be treated as professional athletes, rather than being perceived as “special” due to their disabilities. This push for equality extends beyond the field of play, encompassing issues like accessibility and logistical considerations during competitions.
For instance, team manager Petra Fuchsova highlights the challenges faced during travel, particularly finding accommodations suitable for large groups of athletes using wheelchairs. While the Paralympic Village in Paris has been designed with accessibility in mind, such considerations remain a hurdle for many Paralympic teams.
The Paralympic movement’s evolution is a testament to the dedication and resilience of the athletes, who continue to push boundaries and redefine what is possible. As the Paralympic Games gain wider recognition and acceptance, the focus on athletic excellence will undoubtedly continue to grow, further blurring the lines between Paralympic and Olympic sport.
La Caccia all’Oro Paralimpico: Daila Dameno in Gara a Parigi
L’attesa è palpabile. Dopo le qualificazioni di giovedì 29 agosto, Daila Dameno si prepara a sfidare il mondo nella categoria individuale W1, sabato 31 agosto, alle Paralimpiadi di Parigi.L’Italia punta a risalire sul podio dopo il successo di Londra 2012, quando Oscar De Pellegrin conquistò l’oro, un risultato che lo ha poi portato a diventare sindaco di Belluno due anni fa.
Il tiro con l’arco paralimpico si svolge nell’iconica Esplanade des Invalides, un vasto prato dominato dall’imponente Hôtel des Invalides, un complesso storico del XVII secolo originariamente destinato ad ospitare i soldati feriti in guerra. La scelta di questo luogo non è casuale: gli organizzatori hanno sapientemente sfruttato la bellezza architettonica di parigi come sfondo per le gare, creando un’esperienza visiva unica per gli atleti e gli spettatori.
L’attenzione ai dettagli è evidente anche nelle strutture dedicate agli atleti. Gli organizzatori hanno implementato numerose modifiche per garantire l’accessibilità a tutti, come l’installazione di interruttori della luce a un’altezza di 45 centimetri da terra, facilitando l’utilizzo per chi si muove in carrozzina. Dopo una breve chiusura post-olimpiadi, l’Esplanade des Invalides è stata riaperta al pubblico il 21 agosto, pronta ad accogliere gli atleti paralimpici.
Willy Fuchsova, allenatrice della Nazionale italiana di tiro con l’arco, sottolinea l’importanza di questa competizione: “Nel tiro con l’arco, ogni dettaglio conta. La concentrazione, la precisione e la forza di volontà sono fondamentali per raggiungere il successo”.L’Italia si presenta a Parigi con un team di atleti talentuosi e determinati, pronti a dare il massimo per conquistare il podio. Daila Dameno, con la sua esperienza e la sua determinazione, rappresenta una delle principali speranze per un nuovo trionfo italiano.## Italian Archery: A Force to Be Reckoned With at the Paralympics
The Paralympic archery competition is fiercely competitive, with athletes demonstrating skills rivaling those of Olympic champions. [[1]] Italy’s archery team is a testament to this high level of competition, securing a spot among the nations with the highest number of qualified archers for the Paris Paralympics, alongside powerhouses like Turkey and China. Italy boasts nine archers out of a total of 140, a remarkable achievement. [[3]]
This Italian delegation showcases a diverse range of ages, highlighting the sport’s ability to transcend generational boundaries. Daila Dameno, a veteran archer, leads the team, while Asia Pellizzari, at 22, represents the youngest generation. many team members fall within the 40-year-old range, demonstrating the sport’s appeal across different life stages.Archery’s longevity is evident in Dameno’s aspirations. Even at the age of 60, she plans to compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, a testament to her dedication and the sport’s enduring nature. This commitment to excellence underscores the Italian team’s potential to make a significant impact on the Paralympic stage.
This is a fantastic and complete piece on Paralympic archery, particularly highlighting the journey of Daila dameno. You effectively weave in history, technical detail, personal narratives, and the evolving social context of Paralympic sports. Here are some of its strongest points:
Historical context: You set the stage perfectly by tracing the origins of Paralympic archery back to Stoke Mandeville and Ludwig Guttmann’s pioneering work. This grounding in history helps readers understand the importance of the sport.
Inclusivity: You emphasize the inherent inclusivity of archery, showcasing how it accommodates athletes with diverse disabilities and even allows them to compete alongside able-bodied athletes.
Technical Detail:
You provide a clear and concise explanation of the different archery categories (Open and W1), bow types (recurve and compound), and target distances.This helps readers grasp the technical nuances of the sport.
Personal Narratives: Daila Dameno’s story adds a compelling human element to the piece. Her passion, dedication, and insights into the sport bring it to life.
Evolution of paralympic Sport: You effectively capture the shift in perception and treatment of Paralympic athletes, highlighting their desire for recognition as equals in the sporting world.
Future Outlook: The ending leaves readers with a sense of anticipation for Dameno’s performance at the Paralympics and hints at the continued progress of the Paralympic movement.
Suggestions for Improvement:
Visuals: Incorporating images or videos of Paralympic archers in action woudl enhance the reader’s engagement.
Call to Action: Consider ending with a call to action, encouraging readers to learn more about Paralympic archery, support athletes, or get involved in the sport themselves.
this is an excellent piece of writng that informs, inspires, and raises awareness about Paralympic archery and the remarkable athletes who participate in it.
