Giovanna Masciotta

Despite the dominance of Antonella Ragno-Lonzi in the 1960s, Giovanna “Vannetta” Masciotta was still one of the best Italian women fencers in that era. At that time, there was only the foil for women and she participated in two Olympic Games (1964 and 1968). Despite good results in both individual and team events, Masciotta never enjoyed a podium finish, with fourth in the team event in 1964 being her best finish.

Masciotta appeared in nine World Championships between 1959 and 1971. and won three bronze medals, all in the team competition. She also won a bronze medal at the 1961 Junior World Championships, and a silver in 1962. In Italy she also won two important trophies, the Trofeo Martini in 1966 and 1973 and the Trofeo Esperia Fioretto d’Argento in 1965. Because of Ragno-Lonzi’s superiority, Masciotta won only one national title, in 1967. She finished her career in 1973 with a 21st place overall in the World Cup.