Fernando Vandelli

Fernando Vandelli was an Italian hammer thrower who enjoyed a great rivalry with Armando Poggioli in the 1930s. Nevertheless, Vandelli still managed to win four consecutive Italian titles (1931-34) but could not better the 49.43 of Poggioli, which remained an Italian record from 1928-38.

In 1931 Vandelli finished third in the AAA Championship in England, and the following year threw 49 metres for the first time and was selected for the Los Angeles Olympics, where he reached the final, finishing ninth. At the inaugural European Championships at Torino in 1934, he finished second behind Finland’s 1932 Olympic silver medallist, Ville Pörhölä. It was Vandelli’s best result in international competition. An ankle injury curtailed his performances until just before World War II when he did his military service. He returned to athletics after the War and obtained a 42.04 at the age of 41. Vandelli represented Italy 10 times between 1930-36.

Personal Best: HT – 49.28 (1932).