Riccardo was born on May 19th 2004 without 2/3 of his left forearm and hand. The reason for this was not identified and it was never observed during the pregnancy but only at the time of birth.
When he has only 3 months, he started attending water classes and then, at 3 years old, swimming classes. At the age of 6 he joined the swimming team at pre-competitive level, competing with physically fit children. However, when he was 9 years old, he decided to leave the team as he could not play two sports at the same time at a competitive level.
As a matter of fact, Riccardo has also been playing football since the age of 5, first as a striker and now as a left winger, striving to become an excellent player and dreaming, like all footballers, of being part of a top team. However, he continues to practice swimming at a competitive level.
Since 2011 he has been a member of the art4sport team, which is the main incentive for him to face life with determination, but above all with great will. He used to swim with his aesthetic prosthesis however, thanks to art4sport, since September 2012 he has been swimming with a special prosthesis suitable for this sport, which, with its oar-like shape, allows him to improve and strengthen his stroke.
Riccardo is a sunny, cheerful, lively and expansive child. He is very good at school, curious, independent and determined. He likes reading, skateboarding and has a passion for motorbikes.
Gaia Mercurio