He was a member of the United States men's national artistic gymnastics team and won a gold and silver medal at the 1991 Pan American Games.

In 1990, Racanelli won the Nissen Award, the "Heisman" of gymnastics,[4] as well as the Big Ten Medal of Honor.

[5] In 1989 Racanelli won gold on the floor exercise at the U.S. National Championships[8] and bronze in the all-around.

[10][11] In 1990, Racanelli won floor exercise at the Chunichi Cup, becoming the first American since 1984 to win an event gold.

[12] In 1991, Racanelli, recovering from a shoulder injury, finished only 11th in the all-around at Nationals but won gold on the floor.