Gianfranco Paglia has had a long and decorated military career; he has served as an officer of the Paratroopers, an advisor to the Minister of Defense, and recieved a Gold Medal of Military Valor for the fighting of July 2, 1993 at the checkpoint Pasta in Mogadishu (Somalia) where he reported a spinal cord injury. As the Captain of the Italian Team he will be competing in Swimming, Rowing, Powerlifting, and will be part of the Wheelchair Rugby Team.