Celebrating Virtus Champion, Chiara Zeni: Breaking Barriers And Soaring To New Heights

Chiara Zeni, a record-breaking athlete whose dedication, resilience, and passion for sport have made her a role model for many. Chiara’s talent shone brightly at the Virtus Global Games 2023, where she clinched three gold medals and set three new world records in the II2 Women’s 100m, 200m, and long jump. While she was the favourite to win, she acknowledges that success is never guaranteed until the finish line is crossed.

“I was very happy with my results, and I had a lot of fun,” she says.

Born in Lugano, Switzerland, Chiara holds both Italian and Swiss nationalities and has been breaking barriers in sports despite the challenges she has faced due to her intellectual impairment. From a young age, Chiara was full of energy. She recalls how she was drawn to running after seeing her first track training sessions, wanting to be there every day. That passion soon translated into hard work and success, as she trained alongside fully able athletes. Though the pace was challenging, it pushed her to improve and reach new heights.

“When I run, I feel like I’m flying. I feel totally free,” she says, highlighting the sheer joy that athletics brings to her life.

Education and career opportunities were not always easily accessible for Chiara. Switzerland did not accept her into school due to her disability, but she was fortunate to study in Italy, where inclusion was prioritised. In sports, she initially faced doubts and discrimination, but her determination and talent quickly silenced her critics.

“At school, some classmates and teachers bullied me. But in sports, I was able to overcome people’s doubts by proving that I could do everything well,” she shares.

Even today, professional career opportunities remain limited, with Chiara only being able to pursue internships rather than full-time employment in Switzerland. However, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of excellence, both on and off the track. Chiara looks up to legendary athletes such as Usain Bolt, Pietro Mennea, and Jessie Owens—icons who defied odds and made history. She also admires contemporary long jump stars Larissa Iapichino and Mattia Furlani, whose achievements continue to inspire her.

Competing in Virtus events has given Chiara the platform to measure her skills against the world’s best athletes with Down syndrome. More than just rivals on the track, these athletes share a deep sense of camaraderie and friendship.

“My biggest dream is that, through Virtus, II2 athletes can soon participate in the Paralympics,” she states with hope.

Chiara eagerly anticipates the Global Games 2027 in Egypt and hopes the Italian National Team will include II2 athletes. Her personal goal? To improve even more and win every race she competes in.

Beyond sports, Chiara finds joy in singing, dancing, reading, and socializing. Like many young people, she dreams of finding love one day. But above all, her ultimate goal is simple yet profound: to be good to others and to enjoy life.

On World Down Syndrome Day, Chiara shares an empowering message for young athletes:

“Everyone is good at something and not so good at something else—it doesn’t matter what. To achieve your dreams, you must believe in them and commit yourself. But the most important thing, like my idol Pietro Mennea always said, is to HAVE FUN!”

Chiara Zeni is not just an athlete; she is a symbol of perseverance, inclusion, and hope. As she continues to break records and inspire others, her story reminds us all that with determination and passion, anything is possible.