Alfredo Rizzo

Alfredo Rizzo was among the best Italian middle distance runners at the turn of the 1950s and 60s. He was national champion six times: three times in both the 1,500 metres (1959-61) and 3,000 metre steeplechase (1958, 1963-64). Rizzo also set national records in the mile (4:07.2/1962), 2,000 m (5:11.8/1962), 3,000 m (8:03.4/1965), and several times in the steeplechase, where he was the first Italian to better 9 minutes with 8:58.8 at Milano on 5 November 1961, eventually recording 8:53.0 on 13 June 1965 at Rovereto. Internationally Rizzo competed at the Roma Olympics and at the 1958 and 1962 European Championships, always at 1,500 metres, and he earned 27 caps from 1957-65. Rizzo always raced for Atletica Riccardi Milano. He later became a coach and manager.

Personal Best: 1500 – 3:43.0 (1962).