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March 29, 2007

6 Medals Won at the Pizza Olympics in Italy

Hundreds of competitors from dozens of countries including India, Sri Lanka, Croatia, Japan, Brazil, and the Ukraine converged on Salsomaggiore, Italy for the Pizza Olympics March 26-29, 2007. Opening ceremonies kicked off the four day event with each country parading through the competition hall with flags waiving and their national anthem playing.

And once again the World Pizza Champions - America's #1 Pizza Team - dominated this World Championship, winning 2 years back to back in Team Acrobatic and bringing home 6 medals and awards.

Awards Won

Gold: Team Acrobatic - Tony Gemignani, Ken Bryant, Michael Shepherd, Siler Chapman, Joe Carlucci, Giorgio Giove, Justin Wadstein, Jay Schuurman, Joey Post, Sean Brauser & Julie Gemignani
Gold: Individual Acrobatic - Justin Wadstein
Silver: Largest Stretch - Michael Shepherd
4th Place Pizza in Teglia: John D'Ambriosio
5th Place Pizza in Teglia: Joe Carlucci
Best Pizza From USA: John D'Ambriosio

Back to Back Team Acrobatic Victory

The team pulled down 97 points out of a possible 100 to take the Gold medal in Team Acrobatic, and successfully defended last years title. In the six minute choreographed routine inspired by the movie - The Godfather, team members did acrobatic dough throwing tricks such as across the shoulders, through the legs, and three at a time - all while wearing suits.

This two year back to back win is the first time any team has ever had consecutive wins in Team Acrobatic.

Gold for Individual Acrobatic

Only 10 of the 40 competitors qualified to move onto the finals, and four of those qualifiers were World Pizza Champions. Joey Post, Giorgio Giove, Jay Schuurman, and Justin Wadstein all moved onto the finals.

Beating out 40 other competitors, Justin Wadstein won the Gold for individual Acrobatic. With 97 points out of a possible 100, Justin became only the 2nd American to claim Gold for Individual Acrobatic.

Giorgio Giove came in 4th place and JaySchuurman took 5th place.

Cracking the Top 10 in Baking

Stunning the Italians and finally cracking the top 10 in pizza baking, John D'Ambrosio and Joe Carlucci took top honors in the Pizza in Teglia (pizza made in a pan) category.

Winning 4th place and Best Pizza from the USA was John D'Ambrosio. And pulling in 5th place was Joe Carlucci.

Silver for Largest Dough Stretch

Winning Silver in Largest Dough Stretch was Michael Shepherd. The Silver medal completed the set for Michael who won Gold in this category in 2004 and Bronze in 2006.

A Team Effort

Traveling to the Pizza Olympics in Italy this year were