Gioacchino De Palma

In years when the Italian marathon was dominated by Antonio Ambu, it was not easy for anyone to achieve success. However, Gioacchino De Palma managed to win two consecutive Italian half-marathon championships, in 1969 in Sassari and in 1970 in Villa d’Adda. Internationally, his best result was ninth place at the 1966 Budapest European Championships where he set his personal best in the marathon.

Two years later De Palma managed to qualify for the Games in Mexico. After running with the leaders up to the 25th kilometre, he eventually finished 31st, in a decent time considering the Mexico City altitude. De Palma earned 15 international caps from 1963-70.

Personal Best: Mar – 2-25:11 (1966).