In the beginning it was Novella Calligaris, who at a very young age won her first Olympic medal in swimming. Thirty years later there was a breakthrough from Federica Pellegrini, the first gold swimmer at the Olympics. Then, the rise of Benedetta Pilato, who won the world silver medal in breaststroke at the age of 14. Finally darling Alessandra Mao, Italian 200 freestyle champion. At the last World Youth Championships in Otopeni, Romania, Mao won a sensational bronze at the age of 14, much better than Pellegrini when Pellegrini won the Olympic silver medal in Athens 2004.
Alessandra, everyone is looking for her now because she has broken some of Fede’s records.
“Obviously I’m very happy. But for me nothing has changed, I want to travel on my own and have fun in the water.”
Do you think you can make another leap in quality?
“I’m superstitious and therefore I don’t share my goals. I think step by step and enjoy the moment.”
What have you learned this year in managing a big event like Eyof, the European Youth Games?
“I had the best experience of my life.”
In Skopje, Macedonia, there is also Kelly Doualla, a sprinter who amazed the world of athletics.
“I am happy that a young girl like Kelly has achieved important results. I hope that many other talented girls like her grow up in Italy.”
How many times does Alessandra Mao train per week?
“I train every day for about two hours. I want to keep improving, otherwise I like to spend time with my family.”
How did you start swimming?
“At home they all played sports. My older brother started swimming before me. My parents took me to the pool at the same time. So I started too and I just grew to love it from there.”
The model?
“I look at everyone with admiration and I try to learn from them. I follow Federica and Quadarella, but they are not my idols. In fact I never had one, I wanted to be myself. If I really had to choose one, I would choose Sarah Sjöström”.
Italian record holder Sara Curtis is leaving for America. Will he go there?
“Now I really don’t think about it, it’s still early and I feel good in my group, Team Veneto is led by Davide Pontarin, who always has a great talent like Manuel Frigo, our captain.”
Can you find time to do things outside of swimming?
“This year, apart from my eighth grade exams, I dedicated myself to swimming. After the World Championships, I unplugged for a while and went to the beach at my grandparents’ house.”
