In the night between Thursday and Friday Battiston competing with Italy as a saber, is reserve but ready to shoot big. Dad Stefano, mom Barbara and their beautiful childhood friends: “However proud of her”
TORVISCOSA. Malisana at the Olympics. Michela Battiston, who will compete in Tokyo on Saturday for the team saber test, will also bring to the platform the pride of all the inhabitants of the small hamlet of Torviscosa, just over 300 souls in the Bassa Friulana. A small town in the middle of nature, where there is almost nothing, but which for Michela is the most beautiful place in the world.
For less than a year, the 23-year-old from the Air Force moved to Foggia, in the South, but remains very attached to her fellow villagers and the affection is reciprocated. Whole Torviscosa, without distinction of hamlets and districts, is proud of Michela’s sporting success and the banner dedicated to her speaks clearly: Malisana is at the Olympics and this is already worth the gold medal. The expectation is growing in the town for the match that will start at 3:00 Italian time on Friday 30 July, with the quarter-finals against China. The blue are second in the world ranking and are clearly aiming for a medal. The team is made up of Martina Criscio, Rossella Gregorio and Irene Vecchi. Michela Battiston starts as a reserve and will have to actually get on the platform for the medal to be recognized. The Olympic formula provides that the reserve, if deployed, can no longer be replaced. The attack that will decide the bronze is scheduled at 11.30 Italian time; the one for gold at 12.30. «It is exciting to see her compete at these levels – says her childhood friend Milena -. Here in the village we all know each other and it is a great pride for us. Whatever happens, on the way back we will welcome you with a big party, like the one two years ago, after the medal at the Universiade ». On that occasion a triumphal welcome was organized, with the bells rung in celebration.
«Even if we don’t show it – says Ivan, Michela’s friend and neighbor – we are very proud of the path he has made. We are organizing a dinner with friends to ease the tension. We will be together and then we will watch the race during the night. In recent days we have spoken on the phone and I must say that we are more nervous than her ». Stefano, Michela’s father, confirms that when he returns to Michela the party will still take place, because, beyond the result, it is a great victory for the whole country. In view of tomorrow’s race, many are organizing themselves to follow the assaults live. At the Battiston house the garden is large and many have expressed the desire to join Stefano and his wife Barbara to follow the race live on Discovery Plus. If time permits, the TV will be moved to the garden and there will be room for friends. . Mother Barbara reminds us of how she and her husband have always supported Michela and how she got excited seeing her prepare the suitcase for the ceremony at the Quirinale with Mattarella.
«I will always remember an episode that happened when Michela was in first grade – says Barbara -. I had taken her to the physiotherapist for a problem with the buttocks and the physiotherapist asked Michela what she was aiming for as an athlete. Michela replied that she was aiming high. Here, that sentence now sounds truly incredible and exciting for me ».