Valerio Catoia became a hero when he saved a young girl from drowning. Catoia started swimming at three years old. His skills were put to the test during a family outing at the beach when he saw two girls being pulled out to sea. He and his father immediately swam out to them, each of them saving one of the girls. For his life-saving actions, Valerio was presented with an award by the Italian Minister of Sports.