Definition
Giuseppe Di Capua is an Italian rowing coxswain who has represented Italy in multiple Olympic Games and World Rowing Championships.
Overview
Born on 4 July 1958 in Sabaudia, Italy, Di Capua has been active in competitive rowing primarily in the role of coxswain, the team member responsible for steering the boat and coordinating the crew’s rhythm and strategy. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he participated in at least five Summer Olympics—from the 1984 Los Angeles Games through the 2008 Beijing Games. His Olympic record includes medal‑winning performances, most notably a gold medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and a silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Di Capua has also earned medals at the World Rowing Championships, contributing to Italy’s prominence in international rowing during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Giuseppe” is the Italian form of “Joseph,” derived from the Hebrew Yosef, meaning “he will add” or “God will increase.” The surname “Di Capua” is a patronymic or locative name meaning “of Capua,” referring to the town of Capua in the Campania region of southern Italy. The construction “Di” denotes “from” or “of” in Italian surnames.
Characteristics
- Role: As a coxswain, Di Capua’s responsibilities included steering, race tactics, and motivating crew members; he did not row but was integral to the boat’s performance.
- Physical Profile: Coxswains are typically lightweight; Di Capua’s recorded competition weight was under the minimum coxswain limit, allowing his boat to carry additional ballast if required.
- Experience: His longevity in the sport is notable; by the 2008 Olympics he was among the oldest athletes competing, illustrating sustained high‑level performance.
- Achievements: Olympic gold (2000), Olympic silver (2008), multiple World Championship medals (exact events and years require confirmation).
Related Topics
- Rowing (sport)
- Coxswain (rowing)
- Italy at the Summer Olympics
- World Rowing Championships
- Notable Italian rowers and coxswains
Accurate information is not confirmed for specific event details and medal counts beyond the general achievements noted above, as source verification is limited.