Fabbri Aims for Glory at Paris Olympics After Transformative Journey
- Italian shot putter Leonardo Fabbri is working hard to challenge the dominance of American athletes Ryan Crouser and Joe Kovacs in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
- For nearly a decade, Crouser and Kovacs have held gold and silver medals, making competition fierce in the men’s shot put.
- Fabbri's dedication and sacrifices could set the stage for a thrilling Olympic showdown.
SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Italian shot putter Leonardo Fabbri is gearing up for the Paris Olympics, having undergone a significant transformation since his disappointing performance at the Tokyo Games. Missing the final by just 10 centimeters, Fabbri identified his weight as a key issue, weighing in at 330 pounds. Over the past two years, he has shed 55 pounds, which has contributed to his recent successes, including a silver medal at the world championships and a gold at the European championships in June. Fabbri is now setting his sights on challenging American shot put stars Ryan Crouser and Joe Kovacs, who have dominated the sport for nearly a decade. Despite the tough competition, Fabbri recently defeated Crouser in the final Diamond League meet before the Olympics and boasts the second-longest throw in the world this year at 22.95 meters. He remains grounded, enjoying traditional meals like Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a favorite from his hometown of Florence. In addition to his physical training, Fabbri incorporates mental preparation into his routine, practicing Buddhism and meditation, which were introduced to him by his mental coach. He expresses a desire to honor the legacy of former shot put champion Alessandro Andrei, also from Florence, whom he met for the first time this year. Inspired by the success of his fellow Italian athletes at the Tokyo Olympics, Fabbri feels motivated to achieve his own medal in Paris.