MONCALIERI – Elisabetta Mijno, a 38-year-old native of Moncalieri, has made history by securing a gold medal at the paris 2024 Paralympics. She achieved this remarkable feat alongside Stefano Travisani from Lombardy in the mixed team recurve open archery event.
Raised in Trana, a quaint village in the Val Sangone region, Mijno’s life took a dramatic turn at the age of five when a car accident left her paraplegic. Her fascination with archery began around the age of ten, inspired by neighbors who practiced the sport. She pursued her education at the University of Turin, earning a degree in medicine and surgery, and later specialized in orthopedics and traumatology, with a focus on hand surgery.Today,she works at the CTO Hospital in Turin. Beyond her professional life, Mijno enjoys traveling, photography, and reading.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics culminated in a thrilling finale for Mijno, as she clinched gold on the final day of archery competitions. This victory marked a significant milestone in her career, adding to her growing collection of medals.
Representing Arcieri delle Alpi, Mijno competed in her fifth Paralympic Games, having participated consistently since Beijing 2008. Her partnership with Stefano Travisani in the mixed team recurve open event not only earned them the gold but also surpassed their silver medal performance at the Tokyo 2020+1 Games. This achievement builds on her previous success at Rio 2016, where she won bronze alongside Roberto Airoldi in the debut of the mixed team event.
For Mijno,this Paralympics was particularly special,as she also secured a bronze medal in the individual women’s event earlier in the week. This marked the first time she has won two medals in a single Paralympic Games, bringing her total medal count to five.
The Italian archery team also celebrated another success, earning a bronze medal in the mixed team W1 event.
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Interview with Elisabetta Mijno: A Paralympic Legend Reflects on Gold and Perseverance
Moderator: Today, we have the honor of speaking with Elisabetta Mijno, the Italian archery sensation who just made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Elisabetta, welcome, and congratulations on your incredible achievement!
Elisabetta Mijno: Thank you so much! It’s a pleasure to be here and share this moment with your readers.
moderator: Let’s dive right in. You’ve just won gold in the mixed team recurve open event alongside Stefano Travisani. How does it feel to add this milestone to your already impressive career?
Elisabetta Mijno: It’s surreal, to be honest. Winning gold in Paris was a dream come true, especially after the silver in Tokyo. Stefano and I have been working together for years, and this victory feels like the culmination of all our hard work and dedication.
Moderator: This was your fifth Paralympic Games, starting from Beijing 2008. How has your journey evolved over the years?
Elisabetta Mijno: It’s been an incredible journey.I’ve grown not just as an athlete but as a person. Every Games brings new challenges and lessons. rio 2016 was special because it was the debut of the mixed team event, and we won bronze. tokyo 2020+1 was a stepping stone with silver. And now, Paris 2024—gold! Each experience has shaped me in different ways.
Moderator: You also won a bronze medal in the individual women’s event earlier in the week. This marks the frist time you’ve won two medals in a single Paralympics. How did you manage to maintain such a high level of performance across both events?
Elisabetta Mijno: It was demanding, no doubt. The key was mental planning and focus. I had to stay grounded after the individual bronze and shift my attention to the mixed team event. My coach and team were instrumental in helping me stay composed. And, of course, Stefano’s support was invaluable.
Moderator: Your life story is incredibly inspiring. You became paraplegic at the age of five due to a car accident but didn’t let that define you. How did archery become such a meaningful part of your life?
Elisabetta Mijno: I discovered archery when I was about ten, thanks to neighbors who practiced the sport. It instantly captivated me. Archery gave me a sense of freedom and control that I didn’t feel in other aspects of my life. It became my passion,my therapy,and eventually,my career.
Moderator: Beyond archery, you’re also a highly accomplished professional. You’re an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand surgery at the CTO Hospital in Turin. How do you balance such a demanding career with your athletic pursuits?
Elisabetta Mijno: It’s a juggling act,but I thrive on challenges. My work as a surgeon is deeply fulfilling, and it also keeps me grounded. Training and competing require discipline and time management, but I’ve learned to integrate both aspects of my life seamlessly.
Moderator: Your story is a testament to resilience and determination. What advice would you give to young athletes, especially those facing adversity?
Elisabetta mijno: Never let limitations define you. Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your potential.And most importantly,don’t be afraid to dream big.
Moderator: Looking ahead, what’s next for Elisabetta Mijno? Can we expect to see you at the next Paralympics?
Elisabetta Mijno: (Laughs) I’m not ruling it out! For now, I’m taking some time to savor this victory and spend time with my loved ones.But archery will always be a part of my life,whether as an athlete,a coach,or an advocate for the sport.
moderator: Thank you, Elisabetta, for sharing your inspiring story with us. You’ve shown us what it means to persevere and excel. We’ll be cheering for you, no matter what comes next!
Elisabetta Mijno: Thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure!
Moderator’s Closing Note: Elisabetta Mijno’s journey is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.Her achievements in both sports and medicine are nothing short of exceptional. What do you think, readers? How does Elisabetta’s story inspire you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s celebrate this incredible athlete together!
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Keywords: Elisabetta Mijno, Paris 2024 Paralympics, archery gold medal, Italian archery team, Stefano Travisani, Paralympic archery, inspiring athlete stories, resilience and determination.
