Ettore Tavernari

Ettore Tavernari ran the 400 and 800 metres with almost equal skill. On 15 June 1929, he set a world record in the rarely run 500 metres with 1:03.0. His personal best over 800 metres was 1:52.2, run at Paris in May 1929, beating among others the redoubtable Jules Ladoumègue. Tavernari was the Italian record holder at 400 metres (48.6, 1934) and 440 yards with 48.6 in 1935, as well as 1,000 m (2:28.4, 1928). Taja Tavernari won 9 Italian Championships: 5 wins at 400 metres (1928-29, 1932, 1934-35) and four at 800 metres (1927-29, 1932).

Internationally, Tavernari competed at the 1928 Olympic Games but did not advance from the heats. At the inaugural edition of the European Championships, at Torino in 1934, he finished fourth in the 400 metres in a national record 48.6 and also helped the Italian 4x400 relay team to fourth place.

Personal Bests: 400 – 48.3 (1935); 800 – 1:52.3 (1929).