Paolo De Chiesa, once the youngest member of Italy's legendary Valanga Azzurra ski team, has emerged as not just a remarkable athlete, but also as a figure of resilience following tremendous personal challenges. Eternally remembered for his skiing prowess, De Chiesa is perhaps equally noted for surviving a near-fatal shooting incident, which he now describes as the moment his life changed forever.
Born in 1956 in Saluzzo, Italy, De Chiesa’s skiing career began with promising winds. He took his first significant steps on the slopes as part of the junior circuit, where he won the prestigious Trofeo Topolino. His ascent continued, leading him to be part of the Valanga Azzurra—a team notorious for its dominance during the 1970s, propelled by the likes of legends Gustav Thöni and Piero Gros. Though he never clinched the coveted World Cup title, his decorated record includes twelve podium finishes and participation at some of the most consequential races, including those at Madonna di Campiglio.
“It’s the place of my heart,” De Chiesa reflects on Madonna di Campiglio, recalling how it was there he began competing seriously, winning victories over rising stars as he made his way to the professional circuit. “I had significant success, including against champions like Stenmark, but the most defining moment was still to come.”
That defining moment arrived when he was just 22 years old, during what should have been a carefree evening among friends. An accidental gunshot fired by his then-girlfriend struck him, leaving him fighting for his life. This tragic event forced him to confront painful recovery amid the pressures of returning to his competitive sport. “A 22 anni, la mia carriera si è fermata non per un infortunio, ma per un colpo di pistola sparatomi in faccia dalla mia fidanzata dell’epoca,” he shared, giving insight to the trauma and recovery process he undertook to return to skiing.
While physically he recovered, the emotional scars from the incident ran deep. “I was dead inside,” De Chiesa admitted, reflecting his struggle with mental health post-trauma. Eventually, he found strength through his family and the competitive spirit forged on the slopes. “I made a wager with myself—to return to active competition and embrace life once again. That was my greatest victory,” he explained, demonstrating his ability to rise from despair.
His comeback began to manifest at Madonna di Campiglio nine years post-incident, where he stood on the podium once again. “That third place was like winning the Olympics for me,” he recalled, “a powerful reminder of my resilience and dedication.” This victory reignited his passion for skiing and helped him pave the way to share his experiences with others.
De Chiesa’s story has recently gained wider attention through the docufilm 'La Valanga Azzurra,' which commemorates the team's legacy but also digs deep beneath the surface of the athletes' lives, including De Chiesa’s. Directed by Giovanni Veronesi, the film offers intimate insights and reflections, capturing the evolution of Italian skiing culture from elite to nationwide fervor.
“I chose to speak up about my experience because I felt it was time to deconstruct the misperceptions people held about my life,” De Chiesa said, aligning his struggles with the importance of mental health awareness. “It was not easy, living with the demons I faced. But I hope my story might give courage to those who are suffering.”
The bittersweet ache of competing alongside champions like Thöni, Gros, and later, legends such as Marc Girardelli, has shaped De Chiesa’s narrative, amplifying the notion of competition intertwined with camaraderie. Though he has consistently refrained from labeling himself as a champion, he exemplifies the spirit required to excel both as an athlete and as a survivor.
“I am not just defined by my accolades or podiums,” he stated emphatically. “The champions are those who win. But my story, my determination, is equally powerful.” While De Chiesa remains modest, his contribution to the sport through both performance and personal insight speaks volumes about the athlete he has become, cementing his place not just within the world of skiing, but as a beacon of hope to many.
Now, as his story resonates with audiences through the docufilm, he stands as part of Italy’s sporting history—a history characterized by triumphs, tragedies, and the undying resilience of human spirit. To many, De Chiesa symbolizes what it means to endure and rise, showing us all the true essence of victory stems not merely from accolades but from the very act of continuing on when the going gets tough.