Six girls have been chosen, six Italian women who will represent Italy at the Olympics on the trackSix strong, combative women. Each has a different story, but they all share a rich track record of accomplishments and victories. The magnificent six are: Balsamo, Alzini, Guazzini, Pregnancy, Barbieri e Paternoster. A few days ago these names were officially announced, The girls' souls were flooded with many emotions, one of which was the sadness for their national teammates who were not called up.After all, spending so many months together makes you end up becoming a family. The place for Tokyo it was sweated and conquered day after day, in the long months of work this year, a question arises spontaneously: What did you think when you realized that the Olympics were no longer just a dream?
Rachele Barbieri
«I had known for a few days that I was among the Italians chosen for Tokyo and I couldn't wait for the conference to be held so I could shout it out to the whole world.I couldn't keep it to myself anymore. When I found out, though, I immediately called my dad, my trainer, my mental coach, and my best friend... Nobody answered me, I couldn't believe itLuckily, I was with my boyfriend and was able to share this intense emotion with him right away, and then everyone called me back. It was a really beautiful moment, and I was happy with this choice.
«There is a behindwork so hard and difficult that many could not even understand, but thanks to my belief I was able to achieve what I wanted, knowing I was working in a fantastic group. Before the conference I didn't know who else would come with me and I felt sorry for anyone who was left at home. In fact, once the official names were released, I wrote a message to everyone because it is also thanks to them that I succeeded in this dreamIt's not over, we have to grit our teeth, it's going to be a hot month!
Martina Fidanza
«I started crying, then I felt full of energy…I can't even explain it. Riccardo (Stacchiotti, her partner, ed.) had just arrived home and I immediately went to hug him, my sister couldn't believe it. As soon as the news was made official, I was filled with love and support.I will try to give my best also in this month leading up to Tokyo. I honestly didn't think I would be called up.I hadn't thought of anything, it was a real surprise. I have a diary that I carry with me everywhere when I go, where I write down my thoughts and emotions and, certainly, It will be the first thing I packI'm so motivated! Right now I'm so fired up I'd even run a marathon."
Elisa Balsam
«I'm really happy! The first thought went to all those sacrifices made over many years and repaid all togetherI'm a bit superstitious, until the end I never had any certainty, I had to see my name writtenThis month full of appointments will help me to to better define my condition and be able to give my all or even moreBeing there already will be a dream, the main goal is to not hold any grudges and give it your all, then... what comes next, we'll see! I am a girl who works hard to fulfill herself, but after I get what I want I immediately set other goals."
Martina Alzini
«There were so many conflicting emotions, a few tears fell. The first person I heard from was my mother, she knows all my sacrifices. Last year, to be closer to the velodrome, I had to move and stay away from home due to the pandemic, which wasn't easy. Being a source of pride for my loved ones really gives me so much motivation.The joy of wearing the blue jersey is great. Fear? No, in life the fear lies elsewhere… Certainly a lot of tension Which, I hope, will translate into strength and adrenaline once I get to Tokyo. Now there's even more peace among us girls! There is competition but, as I always say, it must have a constructive and positive key.I'm lucky enough to work with serious, level-headed girls. You have to take one step at a time: some of us have already achieved the first step. Now we have to work hard to aim for a gold medal too.I grew up in this environment with the vision ofThe Olympics as a new and undiscovered destination, we are all young and with a wealth of experience to fill."
Vittoria Guazzini
«I always hoped so, as soon as I heard my name and really realized, I burst into tearsI immediately wanted to share the news with my friends and family; they've given me so much. My parents would be happy with anything I did, but this is truly a great satisfaction. The Olympics are every athlete's dream, it is the symbol of all sport, it goes beyond just cycling.. We certainly shouldn't rest on our laurels when it comes to the call-up, but you have to do your best to be able to really give your all in TokyoThe girls who weren't called up? They'll have a chance to redeem themselves!
Letizia Paternoster
«It was a great emotion, especially because it hasn't been an easy yearThe news reached me while I was with my boyfriend, who has always supported me during these particularly challenging months. I have a necklace with a medallion, a bit like my lucky charm, and I won't be able to not bring it to Tokyo.I'll set out with the ambition to do well and give my all; competition doesn't scare me. In these last few days the atmosphere between us has been very heavy, because we knew that some of us would be left outI can't deny that I felt particularly sorry for Consonni and Confalonieri. If I were from another nation present in Tokyo I would be truly "afraid" of all of them: they are and we are strong».
Until July 5th our magnificent six they will be in Montichiari in the morning and in Fiorenzuola in the evening where they hung up the number on the track: a training race. On the 6th they will have a day off and then go to compete in Belgium from 7th to 11th to then make a retreat at high altitude from the 13th to the 22nd.
