Italy’s Paralympic sailor Antonio Squizzato: “Sailing is a strong symbol of inclusion”

Guest Editorial with Italy’s Paralympic sailor Antonio Squizzato 

Few people have the Paralympic Sailing experience of Antonio Squizzato. The 48-year-old Italian – who had his left leg amputated following a car accident – represented his country in Beijing, London and Rio – three of the five Paralympic Games where sailing previously featured.

With just over one month until World Sailing submit their application to the International Paralympic Committee to see sailing reinstated at the LA28 Games, Squizzato speaks about the inclusivity of the sport and what it would mean to him if Para Sailing got back in the Games.

“I started sailing in Lignano Sabbiadoro with an old friend. He wanted me to try sailing, I tried, and I fell in love with it. Sailing is a sport of emotion, with the sea, wind and nature. It is not a sport where it is important if you are disabled or not, it’s just important to know how to sail, so it’s a very inclusive and accessible sport.

To me, it’s very important to see sailing re-established at the Paralympic Games. Not in a selfish way because I want to be in Los Angeles, but for the value sailing has as in inclusive sport. Just look at an event like the 2.4mR European Championships* where we have sailors from several countries and the focus is not on being in a wheelchair, whether you are disabled or not, but on the ability to sail. It’s a strong symbol of inclusion. I love this sport and re-inclusion would put it under the spotlight of the Member National Authorities (MNAs) again and result in more funding.

I’d love to campaign again for the Paralympics, I just need to put that together with work and family.  It’s not easy to combine sport, work and family. My wife always supports me.

I think sport teaches us to never give up. Sometimes we lose, get deluded and struggle, but to never give up and to persevere is very important. What other sport is there where the playing field changes every time, other than sailing? Sometimes you must wait for the wind for hours, others you strip your hands (on the ropes) if there is a lot of it. The sport is so varied – you can sail on slow boats or boats that fly; you can do windward-leeward races, or coastal regattas or even transoceanic ones; those with crew or those alone. It’s fantastic.

To anyone who wants to start Para Sailing, I would say just try! I tried and I fell in love. The water, nature… it is a wonderful sport, so just try.”

*Interview took place at the 2.4mR European Championships, May 2022