Silvano Abbà

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameSilvano•Abbà
Used nameSilvano•Abbà
Born3 July 1911 in Rovinj, Istarska županija (CRO)
Died24 August 1942 in Izbushensky, Volgograd (RUS)
AffiliationsScuola Centrale Militare della Farnesina, Roma (ITA)
NOC Italy
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 0
Bronze 1
Total 1

Biography

Silvano Abba was the first great Italian champion in the modern pentathlon, winning a bronze medal at the 1936 Olympics only a few years after the sport was recognized in Italy. He later won the first Italian national title in 1940. Abba was a military man, who led the Italian Savoy Cavalry squadron in August 1942 at the Battle of Izbushensky near Volgograd. Abba was killed, along with 700 other riders who were slaughtered by the Soviets. It is considered the last cavalry charge in military history. Abba was posthumously awarded a gold medal for military valor.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1936 Summer Olympics Modern Pentathlon ITA Silvano Abbà
Individual, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze

Special Notes