Beatrice "Bebe" Vio was born in Venice. At the age of 6 she started practicing fencing. On November 20th, 2008, at the age of 11, she was struck by a fulminant meningitis which caused an extensive infection, with annexed necrosis to forearms and legs, which required amputation. But thanks to a custom-made prosthesis, she was able to continue the practice of the sport, becoming a world-wide Paralympic champion.