Gian Paolo Iraldo

Originally from Cuneo in northwestern Italy, on the border with France, Gian Paolo Iraldo began his sporting activity as a youngster under coach Carlin Olivero. During his studies at the “Bonelli” institute in Cuneo, Iraldo won the Italian students’ title over 600 metres, and many other students’ races in the province.

At the age of 19 Iraldo joined the national team and was a member of the 4x400m relay squad at the 1962 Beograd European Championships, achieving fifth place. In 1964 he was called up as a substitute for the Tokyo Olympics where Iraldo was the youngest member of the track team. The following year he obtained his personal best of 47.4 for the 400 metres and, alongside Sergio Bello, Bruno Bianchi and Roberto Frinolli, won the 4x400 gold medal at the Budapest Summer Universiade in 3:08.5, ahead of Hungary and West Germany. Iraldo won 10 international caps from 1962-65.

Domestically, Iraldo never won a national title due to stiff competition from more experienced athletes such as Bello and Mario Fraschini. A technical education teacher for over 25 years, and mountain enthusiast, Iraldo lost his life in the summer of 2009 in a car accident.

Personal Best: 400m – 47.4 (1965)