Italian Paralympic Swimmer Alessia Berra's Journey from Stargardt Syndrome to Silver Medal
Alessia Berra, an Italian visually impaired swimmer, won a silver medal in the women's 100-meter butterfly S13 at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Her story, detailed in a book titled 'La criniera della leonessa,' highlights her strength and determination despite being diagnosed with Stargardt syndrome, a degenerative retinal condition, in childhood. Berra, who began swimming early in life with her parents' support, pursued higher education in sports sciences and joined the Fiamme Azzurre sports group of the Penitentiary Police Corps. Beyond athletics, she engages in school inclusion projects to promote respect and diversity through sport.
Key facts
- Alessia Berra secured a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics in the women's 100-meter butterfly S13.
- She has Stargardt syndrome, a degenerative retinal disease that severely limits her vision.
- Berra is involved in educational initiatives that use sport to foster inclusion and diversity awareness.
Entities
Institutions
- Fiamme Azzurre del Corpo di Polizia Penitenziaria
- University of Milan
Locations
- Tokyo
- Italy
- Spain