Vittorio Zucca

In the years leading up to World War I Vittorio Zucca was an Italian sprint pioneer and, in a lone time trial on 20 September 1922 in Busto Arsizio, was the first Italian officially under 11 seconds (10.8) for 100 metres. Zucca was not unknown in 1922. At the 1919 Italian Championships, on the U.S. Milanese track, he won the 100m in 11.6, although with an obvious false start. In 1920 he ran 11.5 for the 100 at Parioli’s track in Roma, which was full of holes and pebbles. The next day he recorded 23.7 for 200 metres against a strong wind.

Zucca grew up as a member of Fascio Grion Pola, where he also played football. After several injuries in 1921, he returned in 1922 in good form and won his third Italian 100 title in 11.2. Internationally he won his only two caps at the 1920 and 1924 Olympics.

Personal Best: 100 – 10.7 (1922).