Larissa Iapichino Leaps to World Lead, Young Star Berardo Ignites at Memorial Giovannini
Ancona, Italy – January 17, 2026 – The Memorial Alessio Giovannini delivered a flurry of exceptional performances today, headlined by a stunning long jump from European champion Larissa Iapichino and a record-breaking 200m run from rising talent Matteo Berardo. This breaking news from the World Indoor Tour Challenger event is already sending ripples through the athletics world, and we’re bringing you all the details, plus a look at what these performances mean for the upcoming season and beyond. This is a story about not just athletic prowess, but the future of Italian track and field.
Iapichino Launches Season with a Bang
Larissa Iapichino, the reigning European indoor long jump champion, wasted no time making her mark on the 2026 season. She exploded onto the scene with a leap of 6.93 meters at the PalaCasali in Ancona, instantly claiming the world lead for the year. This performance surpasses American Sophia Beckmon’s previous best of 6.81m and is a significant step forward for the 23-year-old, who is looking to build on her impressive 7.06m outdoor jump from last year. It’s a particularly encouraging sign after a disappointing World Championships in Tokyo last September where she failed to qualify.
“Very happy – also because I wanted the minimum for the World Indoor Championships in March in Torun, Poland, set at 6.75,” Iapichino shared after the competition. “Objective achieved in the first race, with a measure that gives confidence. The work done paid off, I feel very fast.” She wisely chose to conserve energy, stopping after her initial jumps, a strategic move ahead of upcoming competitions, including a meet in Karlsruhe on February 8th.
Berardo Shatters U18 Record in 200m
While Iapichino’s performance grabbed headlines, 17-year-old Matteo Berardo stole the show in the 200 meters. The Milanese student blazed to a time of 21.51 seconds, obliterating the Italian U18 record previously held by Diego Nappi (21.52 in 2024) by a hundredth of a second. This comes just a week after Berardo tied the U18 60m record in Padua, signaling a remarkable start to his 2026 campaign. This isn’t just a local triumph; it’s a signal that a new generation of Italian sprinters is emerging.
Damiano Toothed won the main 200m series in 21.18, followed by Andrea Federici in 21.49, but it was Berardo’s performance that truly captivated the crowd. The young athlete’s speed and potential are undeniable, and he’s quickly becoming one to watch.
Other Notable Performances & A Look Ahead
The Memorial Giovannini also saw strong performances from Jenns Fernandez (Cuba) in the 60m (6.61), Alessandra Gasparelli in the women’s 60m (7.30), and Gloria Kabangu in the 800m (2:05.55). Several other junior athletes also posted impressive times, highlighting the depth of talent within Italian athletics. Vittorio Ghedina dominated the 60m hurdles (7.83), while Alexia Dospin (Romania) secured a triple jump victory with a leap of 13.32m.
Evergreen Insight: The Importance of Early Season Form – For elite athletes like Iapichino, early season competitions aren’t just about winning; they’re about fine-tuning technique, building confidence, and establishing a baseline for the year. A strong start, like the one Iapichino has achieved, can provide a psychological advantage and set the tone for a successful season. Similarly, for emerging talents like Berardo, these early performances are crucial for gaining experience and attracting attention from national selectors.
The Memorial Alessio Giovannini continues to be a vital stepping stone for Italian athletes preparing for major international competitions, including the World Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland, this March. The event serves as a poignant reminder of the legacy of journalist Alessio Giovannini, whose passion for athletics continues to inspire.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of the 2026 athletics season, including in-depth analysis, athlete profiles, and breaking news from around the globe. Don’t miss our upcoming SEO guide for sports journalists – learn how to maximize your online reach and get your stories seen by a wider audience!
Watch the Giovannini Memorial again on demand on www.atleticaitaliana.tv.
