by InTrieste
In a ceremony held on Monday morning in the storied Blue Room of Trieste’s municipal headquarters, Mayor Roberto Dipiazza celebrated two local rowing icons who have elevated the city to international prominence in the world of sports. Paralympian Marco Frank and referee Luca Zacchigna were recognized for their achievements, which have left an indelible mark on Italian rowing.
Mayor Dipiazza commended the pair for their dedication and accomplishments, stating, “Sport is a vehicle for transmitting and amplifying positive values for society. Your achievements send a beautiful message to the world, and we are proud to see Trieste at the forefront of global sports.” The mayor presented each with a symbolic gift, underscoring the city’s gratitude for their work.
Joining the mayor were Francesco di Paola Panteca, President of the City Council; Elisa Lodi, Trieste’s Sports Councilor; and Alberto Maiolo, Provincial Fire Brigade Commander, in a moment that bridged local pride and international recognition.
The Athlete: Marco Frank
Frank, a member of the Firefighters Sports Group, has spent decades mastering his craft. He began rowing in 1995 at Trieste’s CC Saturnia, where he won 11 national titles. His rise to prominence included representing Italy at the 2002 U23 World Championships and the Nations Cups in 2000 and 2001. However, a life-changing car accident in 2022 reshaped his career, leaving him with nerve and muscle damage to his right foot and leading to his classification in the PR3 pararowing category.
In a stunning comeback, Frank earned two national titles and multiple international medals, including silvers at the World and European Indoor Rowing Championships and a bronze at the European Championships in Szeged. At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, he served as the stroke for Italy’s PR3 coxed four team, guiding them to the A Final and a sixth-place finish, setting a new national record along the way. He closed the season with a bronze at the Coastal Rowing Beach Sprint World Championships, besting reigning champions from Australia.
“Rowing has always been a passion,” Frank said during the ceremony. “But being able to bring Trieste onto the world stage is a privilege beyond words.”
The Referee: Luca Zacchigna
Zacchigna’s contributions to rowing extend far beyond competition. A lifelong devotee of the sport, he began rowing in 1996 with the Società Ginnastica Triestina Nautica before joining CC Saturnia in 2000, where he amassed 15 national medals. In his years as an administrator and coach, Zacchigna has overseen key developments in Italian rowing, from organizing national championships to fostering initiatives for Special Olympics athletes.
In January 2024, Zacchigna was appointed to oversee the Pararowing sector for the Italian Rowing Federation, tasked with guiding athletes toward the Paris Paralympic Games. His tenure has included pioneering virtual regattas during the COVID-19 lockdown and spearheading school rowing programs to engage young athletes nationwide.
“Luca’s work goes beyond medals,” said Mayor Dipiazza. “He represents the spirit of inclusion and innovation in sport.”
A City Rooted in Excellence
Trieste, with its deep maritime traditions and enduring love of rowing, takes immense pride in its sports heroes. For decades, the city has been a beacon of athleticism, producing champions who excel on the international stage while nurturing community and inclusion at home.
Frank and Zacchigna exemplify this legacy. Their journeys—one of resilience and the other of quiet leadership—serve as reminders of sport’s power to unite, inspire, and transform lives.
“Trieste is a city of champions,” Dipiazza concluded. “Today, we celebrate two of our finest, who remind us all of the extraordinary heights that can be achieved with dedication and passion.”
Interviews: Paralympian Marco Frank and Referee Luca Zacchigna
