Over half a century ago
If one were to search for the most fitting soundtrack to commemorate Angelo Scalzone 's Olympic feat on September 2, 1972, there would be no doubt: "Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis. It's true that at the time, this sporting triumph was only covered on the radio, but the title track from the film "Chariots of Fire" perfectly captures what happened in Munich. To be even more precise, that was unfortunately Scalzone's only moment of Olympic glory, but an unforgettable one nonetheless. In Olympic trap shooting, he hit 199 out of 200 clays, setting both the world and Olympic records. The rules have since changed, but no other athlete has ever smashed so many clays in a single event.
The perfect race
Scalzone, originally from Casal di Principe (Caserta), competed in the German Olympic Games without a distinguished track record, yet on that September 2nd he was the protagonist of a perfect competition. The radio commentary has been mentioned, although it began late, specifically during the eighth round of 25 clays. It's a gold medal that, even just talking about it, is emotional. The big favorite in the competition was Frenchman Michel Carrega, but his two zeros in the first two rounds turned the tables. Scalzone's only missed shot was the 123rd, then on the third day (the decisive one), Carrega guessed every shot, forcing the Campanian shooter to perform absolute perfection.
Podium with strong blue hues
And perfection it was: Scalzone didn't miss a beat with his Beretta SO4, demonstrating enviable concentration. Don Peppino, or Buffalo Bill as he was nicknamed, never forgot that day 54 years ago (enhanced by the third-place finish by another Italian, Silvano Basagni), as well as his return journey from Monaco, coinciding precisely with the horrific massacre of Israeli athletes. He died at just 56 years old in 1987 from liver cancer, but his feat will never be forgotten.
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