In March of 2003, Giovanni Achenza fell off a ladder while working, which resulted in a spinal cord injury. Ten years later, having already competed in para-cycling, Giovanni wanted to challenge himself again by competing in a different sport, so he took up paratriathlon. A regular on the podium since including bronze at Rio 2016 and a multiple Italian champion, in 2019 he won the European Championships in Valencia.

Career Highlights:
- 2019 European Champion
- 2nd place 2019 WPS Yokohama
- 3rd place 2019 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Lausanne
- 3rd place Rio 2016 Paralympic Games