The 23-year-old swimmer improves her qualifying time in the last final on Friday in the 200 medley. Rain of sms from Italy
PAVIA
No medal, this time, but Monica Boggioni closes the final of the 50 backstrokes category S5 with a more than decent fifth place, in 45 ”46. The 23-year-old swimmer who grew up at Aics Pavia commented on her race as follows: «I’m happy, because I improved my qualifying time and finished fifth in an Olympic final of the highest level, as the Chinese winner has set a new world record. Among other things, the Lu Dong was moved from category only a month ago, she does not have upper limbs but only lower ones, which allows her to have a high speed and a completely different swim from mine. I am more satisfied with this race than with the 100 breaststroke final, even if I have not established my personal. I’ve always been very focused on swimming. I did my best, even if I would have liked to have achieved a better time, in any case only a personal satisfaction, because the times of the first three were very low compared to mine ».
Many messages from Italy
Despite being in the fourth Olympic final, Monica on the blocks was thrilled. «I was tense, even if less than the debut – he says – I became more familiar with the beautiful pool of the competitions, but the emotion is always there». From Pavia and other parts of Italy, Boggioni received hundreds of messages: «Two days after the medal I was overwhelmed with messages. From friends and relatives but also from people I don’t know and this gave me so much pleasure because there is no public here and knowing that we are followed from afar is an incredible motivational boost. Exciting those who follow us is the motto of the Paralympics and these are the magical emotions that only sport can give. In Pavia, thanks to the initiative of my brother and my parents, many public places have hung my photo in the window with an encouraging message, it is beautiful and I am pleased with the support of my fellow citizens ». There remains a competition for Monica, the 200 mixed Sm5, scheduled for Friday at 19.31 Tokyo time (12.31 am in Italy). «It will be a direct final – concludes Boggioni – now I have three days of rest and training. I want to close this wonderful experience in the best possible way ». –
Maurizio Scorbati