Margherita fails “her” 200 backstrokes by swimming 4 seconds slower than the staff Then the redemption in the relay: in the mixed 4×100 she has hit the new Italian record
MONTEBELLUNA
The great appointment remains bewitched for Margherita Panziera: after the fourth place at the 2019 World Cup, at the Tokyo Olympics she doesn’t even hit the final. The reference is to the beloved 200 backstroke, of which she is the reigning European champion (the title two months ago, an encore of the gold of Glasgow 2018) and boasts the second time trial in the world in 2021. An unexpected and sensational flop, considering that it was predicted a medal. And, from the statements granted to Rai, it seems a physical and mental problem. «I tried to do a more aggressive race than the battery», the thoughts of the 25 year old from Montebelluna, «but then I ran out of energy, I didn’t have any more. Too bad, because until two weeks ago I was having absurd times. Then I don’t know what happened. But I have no regrets, I gave 100%. Certainly competing in Europe is not like coming here, spending three weeks away from home, taking the time, eating differently. Put the semifinals there in the morning. In short, there are many factors to consider. It is not the same to compete in Riccione or here. Yes, this week there was a lack of energy ».
The battery on Thursday did not bode well: 2’10 “26, time trial number 12. And the doubts turned into sad truth the next day. weight during the season “, adds the pupil of Gianluca Belfiore,” But already on the block I climbed without strength; I struggled more than the others. I was uncoordinated. I didn’t feel like I was at the European Championships or the Absolutes “.
But redemption can follow at any dark moment. So much so that Panziera, in the afternoon session (late morning in Italy), managed to earn the first Olympic final of her career with the mixed 4×100: with Federica Pellegrini, Arianna Castiglioni and Elena Di Liddo she hit the fourth overall time in 3’55 ” 79, a new Italian record. The final will be tomorrow night (at 4.15 am Italian time), the last day of the swimming program. The opportunity for the Montebelluna to say goodbye from Japan with a smile. “The only thing I can do is give everything I have, because energy is low”, concludes the policewoman of the Aniene, “I am happy for the Italian leadership.”
The surge of pride after the great disappointment. The light that reappears after the shock, after the missed final in the heart race. And it is inevitable that various questions will arise. Complicated setting? Too much pressure? Something in the preparation that didn’t work? But now what matters is to redeem himself: the final earned in the mixed relay was the best answer. As a champion who punches the most difficult moments, as a champion who does not give up. And now he will try to give everything in the last five circles effort. –
Mattia Toffoletto