Davide Tizzano

Enrolled into the Circolo Canottieri Napoli at the age of 11 by his father Giuseppe, the rowing talent of Davide Tizzano was soon recognised. In 1982, he was included in the “Young Talents” project with the goal of achieving an Olympic medal within ten years.

With Piero Poli, Gianluca Farina, and Agostino Abbagnale, and under the technical guidance of Giuseppe De Capua, Tizzano won his first Olympic title in the quadruple sculls at Seoul 1988. The following year, he won silver at the World Championships in Bled, Slovenia, again in the quadruple sculls.

After several years away from the sport, Tizzano was persuaded by coach Aldo Cali, and the management of the Circolo Canottieri Napoli, to take up rowing again in 1995. One of the world’s most successful pairs was re-united when he teamed up with Abbagnale again, and at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics they celebrated a second gold medal, in the double sculls.

A versatile athlete and manager, in addition to rowing, Tizzano also enjoyed sailing. He won the Louis Vuitton Cup with Paul Cayard at San Diego in 1992 and competed in the America’s Cup with Il Moro di Venezia in the early 1990s, and then with Mascalzone Latino in 2007.

Elected President of the Italian Rowing Federation in 2024, Tizzano narrowly defeating the outgoing president Giuseppe Abbagnale. Tizzano also led the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games since October 2021 and directed the “Bruno Zauli” Olympic Training Centre in Formia between 2014-24.

A graduate of the Higher Institute of Physical Education in Napoli, Tizzano obtained a degree in Sports Science from the University of Torino, specialising in “Planning and Organisation of Major Events and Management of Large Sports Facilities.” He later worked as a public speaker and lecturer, holding highly specialised courses at the CONI School of Sport and other university management faculties. In 2017, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples named him “MANN Ambassador in the World” for his cultural, artistic, and scientific promotion and outreach activities. Tizzano also served as an advisor to the International Olympic Academy of Olimpia for the training and post-career development of elite athletes.

Married with three children, Davide Tizzano passed away at just 57 after battling a long illness.