Carlo Durante has died at the age of 73 ©CIP

The Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP) has led tributes to Paralympic gold medallist Carlo Durante following his death at the age of 73.

Durante, a blind runner, won three Paralympic medals during his career, including gold in the B1 marathon race at Barcelona 1992.

He also claimed silver in the T10 marathon at the 1996 Games in Atlanta before completing his Paralympic set with bronze in the T11 category at Sydney 2000.

Durante, a three-time European champion, won World Championships gold in 1994.

CIP President Luca Pancalli paid tribute to Carlo Durante following his death ©Getty Images
CIP President Luca Pancalli paid tribute to Carlo Durante following his death ©Getty Images

The CIP said he had run over 70 marathons, while he was also a three-time winner of the Italian National Olympic Committee's gold medal for sporting merit.

"I am saddened by the disappearance of Carlo Durante," said CIP President Luca Pancalli.

"An Italian sports giant leaves, a star of the Paralympic world.

"In addition to being a champion, Carlo was a point of reference for our movement also for the activity of promoting sport for everyone.

"I take this opportunity to express my closeness and that of CIP to his family and loved ones."