In the annals of Italian sport, few names shimmer with as much multifaceted brilliance as Dorina Vaccaroni. Once dubbed the “Divina Dodi,” a fencing prodigy who brought an unprecedented blend of grace, glamour, and unapologetic femininity to the austere pistes, Vaccaroni captivated a nation. Yet, her story didn`t conclude with Olympic gold and world titles. It merely pivoted, leading her down an entirely different, arguably more punishing, path: the realm of ultracycling.
Dorina Vaccaroni, the “Divina Dodi,” brought glamour to the fencing world.
From Piste to Peak: The Fencing Phenomenon
Before the age of 14, Vaccaroni was already on the world stage, her foil a natural extension of her elegance. By 16, she was competing at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, holding her own against rivals twice her age. Her talent was undeniable, but it was her persona that truly set her apart. Adorned with a signature braid, rings, earrings, and even teddy bears for luck, she was a media darling, gracing magazine covers and briefly marrying footballer Andrea Manzo. She was a force of nature, a “tempest of glamour” in a world accustomed to more subdued athletes. This magnetism, however, bred its own challenges. “Perhaps it was because I was popular,” she muses, reflecting on the envy she sometimes faced. Her directness and fierce independence, which led to special arrangements like her own room during competitions, occasionally painted her as “difficult to manage.” Yet, her philosophy remained unwavering: “I wouldn’t have given up saying things as they are.”
The Radical Reinvention: Embracing Ultracycling
By her early thirties, having achieved every fencing accolade imaginable, Vaccaroni felt a familiar stir of restlessness. “Fencing is a fantastic sport, but it wasn’t enough for me,” she states with characteristic candor. “I had fire inside; I couldn`t stand being confined to a gym anymore.” She sought a new frontier, finding it surprisingly in the relentless grind of ultracycling. This transformation, beginning with spinning classes 25 years ago, revealed an unforeseen aerobic prowess, a stark contrast to the cramps that sometimes plagued her fencing days. What started as traditional cycling soon escalated, pushing boundaries far beyond mere marathons.
Vaccaroni now dedicates herself to ultracycling, a sport of extreme endurance.
The Relentless Pursuit of Distance
Today, Dorina Vaccaroni is a titan of extreme endurance. Her recent feat, the Ultracycling Dolomitica, saw her conquer 718 kilometers, traverse 22 mountain passes, and ascend nearly 20,000 meters in just over 47 hours. The notion of “no sleep” is almost a badge of honor in her world. “Generally, I can resist sleep for up to 1000 kilometers. I can even go four nights without sleeping,” she explains, a statement that would send shivers down the spine of any casual cyclist. This isn`t just about physical strength; it`s a profound mental battle. “I`ve never had critical moments, I`ve never withdrawn,” she declares, adding, “As soon as I finish an ultracycling race, I can`t wait to start again. I feel good on the bike. And at peace with myself.”
Her resume includes four grueling editions of the Race Across America (RAAM), a staggering 5000-kilometer coast-to-coast odyssey from the Pacific to the Atlantic, featuring over 50,000 meters of elevation gain. She has claimed victory twice in this monumental race, which she describes as “an incredible journey within yourself, a test of resistance and resilience.” Her sights are already set on a fifth RAAM in June 2026, with an ambitious goal: to complete it in 10 days, shaving a day off her previous best. This dedication isn`t just for races; she averages an astounding 50,000 kilometers (approximately 31,000 miles) annually, a testament to her daily regimen that often involves 10-hour rides.
Pushing physical and mental limits in the demanding sport of ultracycling.
A Californian Chapter: Coaching and Unwavering Independence
For the past decade, Vaccaroni has called San Diego, California, home. Her move from Italy, via Switzerland, was driven by a familiar desire for freedom and opportunity. “Italy, which I love, felt too restrictive,” she explains, citing bureaucratic hurdles that prevented her from coaching without specific diplomas. In California, she found a welcoming environment, embracing both American citizenship and her Italian heritage. Beyond her relentless cycling, she imparts her wisdom as a fencing instructor and mental coach, channeling her unique blend of discipline and resilience into new generations of athletes.
Dorina Vaccaroni`s journey from “Divina Dodi” to ultracycling warrior is a compelling narrative of self-reinvention. It`s a story that challenges the conventional notions of athletic retirement and demonstrates that true passion knows no bounds, even if it means trading the spotlight for the solitude of thousands of kilometers on the open road. Her life stands as an inspiring testament to an unyielding spirit, forever pushing the limits of what is possible, all while maintaining a refreshing, no-nonsense approach to life.