The 23-year-old swimmer from Pavia who grew up at Folperti will do 5 races: “Unique emotion, even my grandfather will cheer for me from up there”
PAVIA. After the triumphs at the Mexican World Cup, in which she won three golds and three silvers, Monica Boggioni wants to fulfill her dream, winning at least one medal at the Tokyo Paralympics (25 August-2 September) which represent her debut at these levels.
Twenty-three years old (she was born on 5 August 1998), the swimmer from Pavia who grew up at the swimming pool in via Folperti has just entered the police sports group a few months ago. He will compete in the S5 category, aiming to get on the podium, possibly on the highest step.
«We arrived in Sendai on the evening of August 12 – Monica tells on the phone from Japan – It is the town chosen to settle in before moving to Tokyo where the Games will take place. We carried out the first training session last Friday and on Saturday 21st we moved to the Olympic Village. During the first few days, it was tiring to get used to the new rhythms, but given the length of the journey from Italy to Japan, personally I didn’t struggle to fall asleep and sustain the first sessions in the tub. The workouts are going well. We are in a “bubble” with no contact with the outside world, these are rules imposed for our safety and we adapt. The welcome of the Japanese people when we arrived was very nice ».
Excited?
«A lot, for this debut in my first Paralympics. I’ve waited a long time for them. It is my dream that is about to come true. I’ve been waiting for them for a year, after the postponement of 2020. Being in Japan is a strange feeling, sometimes it seems to me that I don’t realize I have to compete. The more experienced comrades told me that the swimming stadium will be seen in the Village. It will be a great emotion, you will have the racing adrenaline on you, you will begin to be aware of what is about to happen. I am waiting for this moment with so much excitement. The absence of the public will also be strange and this already makes a difference ».
Curious to see the Olympic village?
«Yes, and above all to live it, a feeling to which I have been told that you never get used to. It will be the only thing we will be able to see, because we will not be able to get out of there. This Paralympics has a symbolic value of rebirth, sport can be a sign of joy and union ».
The competition program?
«On 25 August I will swim in the 200 style category S5; 26 in the 100 S5 style; 29 in the SB4 100 breaststroke; 30 in the 50 back S5; on 3 September in the 200 mixed SM5. The eventual participation in the relays will be decided by the blue coach. I will try to give my best and be focused on myself, on what I have done and what needs to be done ».
Dedications to do?
«Yes, I dedicate this presence of mine to the Games to all those who have shared this path with me. To my parents, my grandparents, the family that has always supported me and worked hard to make sure I don’t miss anything, my brother Matteo, always available. I tell an anecdote: a few months before my grandfather’s death, we were watching the Rio Games together. He told me that I would participate in the next ones too. I asked him if he would come to see me and he said he would be there one way or another, so I’m sure he’ll be cheering for me from up there. Another dedication to my company, Pavia Nuoto, and to the “Nuota con noi” project created by Davide Bellingeri to allow people with disabilities like me to swim. To my coach Guy Soffientini, to the swimming pool of the Sporting Lodi La Faustina club ». —