Bruno Franceschetti

Bruno Franceschetti was an Italian gymnast and later a coach. He began practicing artistic gymnastics in 1955 and won the Italian Junior Championships twice. After moving up to the senior category, he joined the National team and went on to win nine caps.

Franceschetti was called up for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics where the Italian team was defending the bronze medal won four years earlier. However, they just missed the podium in fourth place and Franceschetti was 75th in the individual all-around competition. He competed in the 1966 World Championships in Dortmund and the 1967 Mediterranean Games in Tunis, where he helped Italy win team gold ahead of Yugoslavia and Spain. Franceschetti went to his second Olympics at Mexico in 1968 but Italy were handicapped by the injury to Franco Menichelli during the floor exercise.

Bruno Franceschetti retired from competitive gymnastics after the Mexico Games and began a brilliant career as a coach with the students of the Società Ginnastica Borgo Prati of Roma. In 1973 he was hired by CONI who entrusted him with the responsibility of the Technical Centre of Varese, and subsequently of the junior and senior men’s national teams. He discovered Jury Chechi and was his “mentor” throughout his career. Franceschetti was also a judge and officiated at the Summer Universiade, Mediterranean Games, World Championships, and 2004 Olympics.

Bruno Franceschetti passed away at the age of 84 after a long illness. He was a tireless coach who transmitted passion and determination to his students. His famous phrase: “The coach must never take credit for the athlete’s results”, reflected his humility and dedication.