Remembering Diana Bianchedi

Like many fans watching yesterday's NBA finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma Thunder, I was horrified and devastated by the torn Achilles tendon injury suffered by the Pacers' guard Tyrese Haliburton. The painful expression on his face was heartbreaking. 

It also recalled a similar incident that occurred nearly 30 years ago during the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. I was working as a volunteer in the fencing venue, mainly as a scorekeeper. While I was scoring one match I noticed something on the adjoining piste. Diana Bianchedi (Italy) had been fencing when she fell to the ground writhing in pain. She took a medical time out, and her coach and medical personnel immediately attended to her. They spent a lot of time with her, and given the severity of her injury, she was given another time out. Then something extraordinary happened. Bianchedi got back to her feet with the help of her team and, believe it or not, continued to fence. She could not advance, only retreat. And would you believe it? She WON. Her opponent from China could not have been very happy. Shortly after her victory, Bianchedi withdrew from the competition. 

It was later revealed that she had torn her Achilles tendon during the bout with her opponent. And somehow she had the mettle to not only finish her bout, but to actually win. I will never see a more inspiring and monumental moment. Back in 1996 there was no social media, so this story did not make the rounds outside of the fencing venue, but those of us in the fencing area could not stop talking about it. 

Watching Haliburton walk away in such tremendous pain reminded me of how incredible Diana Bianchedi's performance was. I know I could not do that. I don't think too many people could. 

Oh, yeah, as a fencing fan boy, I had my picture taken with her. :)