Carlo Calcagni named "King of Rome" heading to World Paralympic Athletics Championships in India

The 24 Hours of Rome, a historic cycling event that turns the spotlight on the Vallelunga racetrack, will have an exceptional reference this year: Colonel of the Role of Honor of the Italian Army Carlo Calcagni, an athlete of the Italian Paralympic National Team, who will be testimonial of the event.

For his extraordinarily unique human and sporting journey, the organizers decided to bestow on him the honorary title of “King of Rome,” a recognition that goes far beyond sports and is rooted in the most authentic value of witnessing.

Carlo, as he prefers to be called, is a man who has paid on his own skin a very high price for service to his country: wounded and maimed in the line of duty, today he lives with a chronic, degenerative and irreversible polyneuropathy, aggravated by multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

In spite of this, she has never stopped fighting, thanks to sports, science and faith, turning suffering into strength and disability into an opportunity for rebirth.

“I survive thanks to daily therapies, but I live thanks to sports” he says.

In previous years, he has already taken part in the 24 Hours of Rome together with Team La Fenice, composed of transplanted and dialyzed athletes, bringing his direct experience as a man who knows that world well, being a transplanted and dialyzed himself.

A testimony that makes his example even more credible and powerful, able to convey hope and courage to those who face similar challenges.

Today Charles carries the title of “King of Rome” with him toward his next venture: participation in the World Paralympic Athletics Championships in New Delhi, India, where he will defend the colors of Italy and the prestige of the National Paralympic Team.

Naming him “King of Rome” means not only celebrating an extraordinary athlete, but recognizing the inner royalty of one who, despite adversity, has managed to win respect, esteem and admiration.

His crown is not made of gold, but of scars, sacrifices and victories won with the heart.

His daily struggle and challenge in India represent a message that goes beyond sports: never stop believing and, above all, never give up.

“Never give up, despite everything and everyone, whatever it takes”.