Claudia Testoni


Claudia Testoni, was an Italian hurdler, sprinter and long jumper. She was European champion, in 1938, on 80 metres hurdles. She was born in Bologna and died in Cagliari.

Biography

Testoni is one of the 38 athletes included in the FIDAL Hall of Fame.
She was 4th at the 1936 Summer Olympics in two events. From 1931 to 1940 she has 17 caps in the Italian national athletics team. In the 1930s was celebrated her rivalry with compatriot Ondina Valla, after a thrilling final, resolved by a photo finish, and the same place in the 4 × [100 metres relay|4 × 100 m relay]. It is said that the disappointment over the Olympic fourth place was so great, that from that moment on she turned her back on her friend and rival Ondina; other sources, however, report letters in which the two friends showed renewed demonstrations of affection.
She retired in 1941. Testoni was the world record holder in the 80 m hurdles event, until the record was broken by Fanny Blankers-Koen in 1942. Her son-in-law, Claudio Velluti, was a professional basketball player of Olimpia Milano.

World record

  • 80 metres hurdles: 11.3
  • 80 metres hurdles: 11.3

Personal best

  • 100 metres: 12"09
  • 80 metres hurdles: '''11"3'''

National titles

Claudia Testoni has won the Italian Athletics Championships 19 times in various specialties.