Laura Chiaberge from Oristano, 18, came fourth at the Under 23 World Championships in the k4 500 specialty “An incredible emotion, the icing on the cake after two gold medals and the final at the European Championships”
ORISTANO. She arrived at the Under 23 World Championships in Montemor-o-Velho, Portugal, thanks to her qualification for the final in the European Championships. The canoeist from Oristano Laura Chiaberge, winner of 2 golds and a bronze at the Italian championships, gave her best in the world championship competition, reaching a brilliant fourth place in K4 500 meters, with her companions.
The 18-year-old from the Oristano nautical club is one of the promises of the Italian canoe. The coach Andrea Lilliu, who in turn joined the staff of the youth team. “An incredible emotion to participate in the World Cup, I never thought I would reach such an important result this year”, says Laura.
It was also a first time for his coach Andrea Lilliu. «This year I was included in the technical cadres of the Juniors and Under 23s – he explains -. In June the selection of the athletes took place and it happened that Laura and Alice Franceschi, two of my athletes, entered the women’s group. Then Laura managed to qualify for the World Cup, what a satisfaction ».
«The race was very exciting – recalls Laura -, the second place in the battery, leaving behind us crews that had previously beaten us, gave us a great boost. In the final we were ready to give our best. We are very happy with fourth place ».
Now Laura looks to the future. “A little rest until October. Then I will resume training with Alice Franceschi, we will try to prepare ourselves as best we can for the new season ».
For the champion there is also a jump in category. «Next year he goes from Junior to Under 23 – says Lilliu -, a demanding challenge. She will have to compare herself with older girls, but I am convinced that the World Cup has given her something more ». The results will pass from the daily work: «In the summer we do two training sessions, one in the morning, one in the evening, – says the canoeist from Oristano -, Sunday is free. In winter, on the other hand, we train only once a day, but from March we also start doing it in the morning before going to school ».
As complicated as it may seem, Laura manages to combine training and school. «I’ve been doing this sport for 10 years now. I attend the scientific high school sport because I wanted to do a school that would help me in the path of growth in sport. Of course, it’s difficult, because you have to get up early in the morning. My typical day foresees the alarm at 5.30 and the start of sporting activity at 6. After training I go to school, 5 hours of lessons, I go home, eat, rest for a while, study and come back again to train at 18 (gym or boat activity). I certainly have little time left. I am used to these rhythms, perhaps the biggest renunciation I have to do is to see little friends, but we compensate on Saturday evening and Sunday ». Another important aspect for an athlete is that of nutrition, “since this year I am followed by a nutritionist”.
Although she is still very young, the canoeist from Oristano already thinks with her head when she grows up: “The distance I prefer is 200 meters, pure speed, and I hope to be able to continue with K4, where it is essential to have a feeling with the other girls. . My model is Lisa Carrington from New Zealand, while among the Italians I admire Manfredi Rizza. My biggest dream is the Olympics, I will do my best so that it does not remain so and I can make it come true ».