Pier-Francesco Pavoni

Pierfrancesco Pavoni was an Italian sprinter who first achieved notice when he won bronze at the 1982 European Junior Championships in the 100. Still it was considered an upset when he won silver later that summer at the European Championships behind East German Frank Emmelmann. Just over two weeks later, in the Eight Nations Meet in Tokyo, Pavoni came second to Carl Lewis.

In 1983 Pavoni won the 100 in 10.24 at the Mediterranean Games in Casablanca and won a silver medal in the 4x100 at the first edition of the Helsinki World Championships. In the next three seasons, injuries hampered him. He returned to full health in 1987, starting the season with a silver medal in the 60 metres at the European Indoor Championships, and placing fourth in the same event at the Indoor World Championships. At the 1987 World Championships, Pavoni failed to make the 100 final, but placed seventh in the 200.

His later career saw only success indoors, placing third at the 1989 World Cup in the 60, and second in the 60 at the 1990 European Indoors. Domestically Pavoni won three titles at 100 metres (1982-83, 1987) and one over 200 metres (1987) and internationally earned 48 caps from 1980-90.

Personal Best: 100 – 10.22 (1986).