From Comelico to Norway. From cross-country skiing tracks to university classrooms. From competitions to political commitment within the FIS, the international ski federation.
This is the path of Virginia De Martin, Comeliana from Padola, for years a point of reference for the Italian national team of narrow skis, an athlete who has participated in the World Championships and Olympics (those of Soci, Russia, in 2014), from the next competitive season president of the newborn Sub-Committee of the Nordic women’s disciplines of the Fis, the new reality open not only to cross-country skiing, but also to the Nordic combined and ski jumping. Brilliant and curious, Virginia has always supported her study with a high-level activity, graduating in Motor Sciences in Verona, in the summer of 2018. The following year, the decision to take leave of absence from the Carabinieri and fly to Trondheim to attend a Masters in Exercise Physiology from NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
After the first year in Norway she took leave of the Carabinieri and finished her master’s degree last June. A few months before finishing it he started working as a research assistant in the same research center (SenTIF) in which he conducted the thesis entitled “Does menstrual cycle phase influence recovery measures in endurance athletes”.
Virginia, let’s start with your studies.
“I particularly appreciated the international environment of my training path, characterized by the presence of students from very different backgrounds, and the fact that the entire second year was aimed at the development and writing of the degree thesis: this guarantees an experience direct and realistic in the world of research ».
Your study path is turning into work.
«The current one is a temporary position (until the end of January 2022, ed), but a good start to continue in the world of scientific research. In addition, I will be part of the team in two other research projects, all focused on women’s sport. The goal is to find a permanent job position that allows me to stay here for the long term. Of course, I hope there is the possibility, post covid, of returning to Italy a little more often for a few visits ».
In Norway, we guess you are enjoying yourself.
“I’m having a great time. There are various things I appreciate about this country: in general I find that the quality of life is better, with more opportunities and working conditions, fewer social differences, fewer wage differences and more support from the state. There is a widespread trust and fairness of citizens both towards the state and among themselves. Trondheim, then, is a very liveable city: it provides all the services of a city, an international environment thanks to the university, but at the same time it has preserved the tranquility of a country and easy access to nature ».
Do you still play sports?
«Absolutely yes, sporting activity is not and will never be an option for me. In winter, especially skiing, cross-country skiing and a little mountaineering. Running practically all year round, some mountain walks, bouldering and yoga ».
How does sport and study combine for young Norwegians? Are there ski colleges or similar structures?
“Many of them attend normal schools or universities: the distances between school and facilities where they can train are often minimal. In addition, many universities guarantee the possibility of graduating in double the time for those pursuing a competitive career. There are also ski colleges: Meråker is a great example. Many top level athletes do not go to university, as training volumes do not allow it. However, the federation organizes professional training courses once the competitive career is over ».
THE NEW ROLE IN FIS
For some time at the helm of the athletes commission of the Fis Cross-Country Skiing Committee, a few days ago Virginia De Martin was elected president of the newborn Sub-Committee of the Nordic women’s disciplines of the Fis, reality is open, in addition to the cross-country, to the Nordic combined and to ski jump.
«I take the place of Gabriella Paruzzi, from whom I was proposed as a candidate. Obviously I am extremely grateful and honored to take his place and enthusiastic to be able to contribute to the development of women’s sport also from a “political” point of view.
The goal is to find specific solutions for the Nordic women’s disciplines and in terms of gender equality. At the top of the agenda there is certainly alignment with the vision and objectives of the FIS ».
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