Italy Rides High: Historic Gold and Silver at 2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championship – A Breaking News Update
Oceanside, California – November 8, 2025 – The waves are still settling, but the impact is already being felt. Italy’s parasurfing team has delivered a stunning performance at the 2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championship, securing its best-ever team finish and bringing home a glittering haul of medals. This isn’t just a win for the athletes; it’s a powerful statement about the growing momentum of adaptive sports and Italy’s commitment to inclusion. For those following Google News, this is a story that’s quickly gaining traction.
Stella Papetti Strikes Gold, Morgan Galeffi Claims Silver
Stella Papetti electrified the competition in the Stand 3 category, claiming the gold medal with a flawless performance. Her victory transforms last year’s bronze into a world title, a testament to her dedication and skill. “I’m very happy! I thank everyone… everyone who allowed us to be here,” an emotional Papetti shared after the race. Close on her heels, Morgan Galeffi battled fiercely in the Stand 2 final, earning a well-deserved silver medal. The final was a nail-biter, with gold slipping away in the final twenty seconds of a high-level heat. It’s a reminder that in surfing, as in life, timing is everything.
Fifth Place Team Finish: A New Chapter for Italian Parasurfing
The individual successes contributed to a historic fifth-place finish for the Italian national team overall – a significant leap from their eleventh-place ranking in 2023. Representing Italy were Lorenzo Bini, Roberta Galizia, Jacopo Luchini, Mario Rivoiro, Alessio Torquati, Marco Volpi, and Antonio Zucchini, each contributing to the team’s impressive score. Italy finished just behind surfing powerhouses France, the United States, Brazil, and Australia.
Beyond the Medals: Building a Future for Adaptive Surfing
The competition, held in the renowned surfing destination of Oceanside, California, presented challenging three-meter waves and complex ocean conditions. But the Italian team didn’t just overcome the physical hurdles; they embodied the spirit of parasurfing – a community built on determination, inclusion, and mutual support. This event wasn’t just about winning; it was about showcasing the incredible abilities of athletes with disabilities and fostering a sense of camaraderie.
Looking ahead, the Italian Surfing, Water Skiing and Wakeboarding Federation (FISSW) is investing in the future of the sport. President Claudio Ponzani announced plans to create a Surf House in Portugal, providing Italian teams with year-round access to ocean waves and training facilities – a crucial step to compete with nations that already have established ocean training programs. “We are doing everything possible so that they can train in an ocean context,” Ponzani stated. This initiative highlights a growing understanding of the importance of specialized training for adaptive athletes.
The Rise of Parasurfing: A Global Movement
Parasurfing, once a niche sport, is rapidly gaining recognition and popularity worldwide. The ISA World Para Surfing Championship is a key driver of this growth, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talent and inspire others. The sport’s inclusive nature and the sheer athleticism of the competitors are attracting a growing audience and challenging perceptions of what’s possible. For anyone interested in learning more about adaptive sports and how to get involved, resources are available through the International Surfing Association (ISA).
The success of the Italian team in Oceanside isn’t just a sporting achievement; it’s a symbol of progress, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. It’s a story that deserves to be shared, celebrated, and used to inspire a more inclusive and accessible world for all. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of parasurfing and other inspiring stories from the world of sports and beyond.
