SASSARI. “You consider me as you like: Lombard, Sardinian, Sardinian-Brianza. I will certainly run at the Olympics with the pride of representing the colors of Italy and the land I love, that of my father ».
Sardinia tattooed on one side, the flag of the Four Moors diligently folded and put in the suitcase, Filippo Tortu in Tokyo will be one of the most anticipated athletes of the entire Italian group. The first Italian of all time to have fallen under the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters, he runs fast towards his dream in five circles, putting behind him a complicated period, conditioned by some injuries and the bad experience of the Covid contagion. Just before getting on the lineup of the direct flight to Tokyo, the sprinter born in 1998 tried to put his sensations in order.
Filippo, what’s in the suitcase you brought to Japan?
“A lot of enthusiasm, a great desire to do well and the curiosity to approach an experience that will be unforgettable, in any case”.
Nothing else?
“Yes, the Sardinian flag too, of course.”
Did you see that Sirigu and Barella pulled it out during the European Football Championships?
«Of course, it was great, then in the context of an incredible victory. I had a great cheer. And our flag could not miss … ».
What do you mean?
«It makes me crazy that in any national or international demonstration, at some point, a flag of the Four Moors always appears. On Sunday I was watching the Silverstone Grand Prix and at one point they framed one. Very beautifull”.
Never as in this edition of the Games the Sardinians will be present and, hopefully, protagonists of the Olympics. There are ten, besides her.
“Well, let’s make sure we are eleven. It is very beautiful, it makes me really happy. We hope to give Sardinia, and of course Italy, some great results ».
How does an athlete feel when embarking on a dream event like the Olympics?
“There is some impatience, of course, but everything has to be enjoyed gradually. I am getting closer to this experience, I think, I am very happy with the path taken to reach this moment in my life and my career. In my head, however, they are not there yet. The moment I am at the Olympic stadium and see the torch, the five circles and the opponents, then I will really realize where I am ».
You normally live important appointments with great serenity. Will it be like this this time too?
«Being an Olympics, it will never be a match like any other. It cannot be for many reasons, for what it represents for me personally and for every sportsman, for the values it embodies. So I will not experience it as any other race. It will be an experience to be enjoyed to the full, but none of us go there to be a tourist. I am starting with the idea and the hope of doing the best possible. Then clearly whatever happens it will be beautiful, it will be remembered ».
What goals do you have in your head?
«To reach the final in the 100 and relay race would be the best».
What is your clearest memory of the Olympics as a fan?
“The strongest and most exciting memory is linked to Bolt’s victories, which were something extraordinary and I am happy to have lived live on TV”.
Is there a Five-circle story from the past that you are passionate about?
“There are two: the first is that of Livio Berruti, who has always been my idol. While to stay with the recent achievements, I remember the great emotion I felt for Elia Viviani’s gold medal in track cycling at the 2016 Riode Janeiro Olympics. I am very happy that in this edition he is our standard-bearer ».
Will he be able to take part in the opening ceremony?
«Unfortunately not, because you can only enter the Olympic village three days before your competition. And when it’s our turn, on the 28th, the ceremony will already have taken place. Patience”.
Speaking of the Olympic village, which sportsman would you like to take a selfie with?
«As a great basketball fan, I definitely say Kevin Durant. But in the end I don’t know if there will be and above all the anti-covid rules will limit the contacts between the athletes of the various nations to the maximum. But I will try it”.
With her, Lorenzo Patta and Polanco there is a lot of Sardinia also in the 4×100 relay.
«Of course, we’ll see later, who will be the owner. Certainly the beautiful thing is that the island is represented from north to south, from my father’s Gallura, to Oristano, up to Cagliari ».
By the way, her father Salvino will also be with her in Tokyo, who has trained her all these years.
“I’m glad he’s there too. Among other things, our passion for sport also binds us and having the opportunity to live together an experience like the Olympic Games is wonderful. I hope to give him some other good reasons to remember these Olympics ».
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