Giovanni Mezzani

A running target specialist, Giovanni Mezzani had the honor of representing Italy at four consecutive Olympic Games from 1972 to 1984. Born in Pistoia but living in nearby Agliana, Mezzani was a member of TSN Pistoia. He won about 50 international caps and was a 10-time Italian champion, as well as having held the Italian record in running target for many years. A military officer with the Army General Staff, Mezzani began shooting in 1969 and in the following year placed 26th overall and fourth with the team at the World Championships in Phoenix, Arizona. He then finished fourth individually at the 1971 European Championships at Suhl, and then in 1972 competed at his first Olympics.

In the following years Mezzani confirmed himself as the best Italian specialist in running target, reaching the highlight of his international career at the 1978 Worlds in Seoul, where he won the individual and team titles, also setting an individual world record. After ending his competitive career at high levels, he then won the Italian Masters Championship six times and two Carabinieri champion titles. Married to Silvia Agostini, they had a son, Francesco, who became an officer in the Italian Navy.