Luciano Ortelli

The Italian wrestler Luciano Ortelli faced life’s challenges with courage and determination. Born in Napoli, he had to overcome many difficulties since his childhood. Ortelli and his four brothers were brought up by his mother, who was a young widow. He learned the value of hard work and perseverance, and his Neapolitan roots and life path profoundly influenced his career and his personality.

After moving to Latina in 1978, Ortelli began chasing his dream of becoming a wrestling champion. With passion and dedication, he won eleven national titles. Ortelli also appeared in the 1980 and 1984 European Championships with a seventh place finish in the 82kg class in the first of those years being his best finish.

But Ortelli’s influence was not limited to wrestling. Although he did share his experience and passion for Olympic wrestling, away from the competitive arena he trained young talents in his ASD Spartacus Lotta (Grappling di Latina), inspiring them to pursue their dreams and overcome difficulties.

Ortelli’s human and sporting story is told in the novel “Conosco una sola lotta “ (I know Just One fight), by the author Rossana Carturan.