Augusto participates in the 2025 Junior and Cadet Fencing World Championships, which took place in Wuxi from April 7 to 17, as a photographer. [Photo provided by Augusto Bizzi to wuxi.gov.cn]
My name is Augusto Bizzi. I am 59 years old and was born in Livorno, Italy.
I am a sports photographer for international events, and over the years I've covered many different sports. In 2008, I discovered fencing—and completely fell in love with it. I was drawn to the values it represents and the powerful emotions it evokes.
In the past, I have covered basketball, football, Moto GP, and also many Paralympic sports.
Augusto shows off Wuxi's cultural products during the Wuxi stop of the 2025 FIE Women's Epee World Cup, which took place from May 23 to 25. [Photo provided by Augusto Bizzi to wuxi.gov.cn]
I have been lucky enough to photograph five editions of the Summer Olympics, three editions of the Winter Olympics and four editions of the Summer Paralympics.
Since 2014 I have been working for the FIE, the International Fencing Federation. I come to China often, with this being my fifth time coming to Wuxi since 2018.
In 2018 I also celebrated my birthday here in Wuxi.
Last week at the 2025 FIE Women's Epee World Cup in Wuxi, a Chinese friend gifted me a Huishan clay figurine - a signature cultural treasure of the city. I've long admired these figurines and have built quite a collection at home, often sharing them as meaningful gifts with friends.
Every time I come, I take a few hours to visit areas of the city that I haven't had time to visit yet.
Augusto takes a photo with the big Buddha of Lingshan Mountain. [Photo provided by Augusto Bizzi to wuxi.gov.cn]
I have been to the big Buddha of Lingshan Mountain, Huishan Ancient Town, Qingming Bridge, Nanchang Street, and Nanchan Temple.
I have always found in the population of Wuxi exceptional people ready to help you with information, and great sympathy from the restaurateurs and people who work in the hotels. They often smile when they see me using chopsticks at lunch. It might not be the proper way to use them, but it works for me.
Wuxi's competitions are among the most well-organized in the world, and I have an excellent collaborative relationship with the Chinese Fencing Association.
Augusto poses for a group photo with his friends in Wuxi. [Photo provided by Augusto Bizzi to wuxi.gov.cn]
The city has always pleasantly surprised me. It's clean and orderly. The way they drive their scooters reminds me of home. We understand each other.
I love food, and every evening I try different dishes consisting of both fish and meat.
I hope to return soon, maybe on vacation.
The author, hailing from Italy, works as a sports photographer covering international events.
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