Maria Ligorio was born in 1970, and at the age of one year she lost her sight. She turned out to be a good sprinter, she started competing in 1989, following a transfer to Rome for work. Over a decade, she participated in three editions of the Summer Paralympic Games, in three world Championships and four European Championships, in the specialties of the 100, 200, 400 meters, and in the 4 × 100 meters relay.