Elisabetta Introini

Elisabetta Introini was a kayaker, competing in both speed and marathon races. She began canoeing at the age of 15 at the canoe and kayak club at the Idroscalo in Milano, while continuing her studies. In 1990 she moved to Roma at the Mariner Rowing Club. Later, when she decided to aim for marathon competitions, she moved to the Aniene Rowing Club. In her long career Introini won 41 Italian titles, among which the most important were: 1999 – marathon; 2000 – K1-500 and K1-1000 metres, open water (5,000 m), and marathon; 2001 – K1-500 and K1-1000, open water (5,000 m), and marathon; 2002 – open water (5,000 m) and marathon champion; and in 2003 – marathon champion.

Introini competed at the Junior World Championships in 1979 and the World Championships in 1979, without making the podium. She was much better at the canoe marathon World Championships, winning the World title in 2002, and finishing third in 1999, fourth in 2000, and second in 2000-01. She won a gold medal at the 1979 Mediterranean Games in the K2-500.

After finishing her active career, Introini became a kayak coach for the Italian youth national team (2005-08). She also designed and perfected electronic equipment which was placed directly on the boat for biomechanically evaluating paddling technique (Ergokayak). She was a teacher in the 2nd level canoeing courses of F.I.C.K., the Italian Canoeing Federation.