The triumph in the last World Cup race and the promotion to standard bearer in the inaugural ceremony: Michela Moioli, snowboard Olympian, embarked for Beijing under the best auspices. “Winning in Cortina in front of your family is the best way to start”. Being a standard-bearer, on the other hand, leaves her with a hint of bitterness: she would have touched the closing ceremony and Sofia Goggia the opening one. The injury of her great friend forced Coni to retouch the ceremonial.
Do you feel ready?
“But yes, what is done and done. Covid did not help us, but we were good at organizing ourselves, from the summer to the last rallies. In the race I had ups and downs, but the work for the Games was taken care of in the best possible way ».
Did you talk to Sofia after the fall?
«Yes, I immediately saw her very tested, but I am convinced that someone like her, who has been through every bit, has the ability and the hard head to recover and work a miracle. It has succeeded in the past and is able to repeat itself. Too bad for the inaugural ceremony, because the role of standard-bearer belonged to her ».
What Olympic goal did you set yourself?
«That of getting to the best of things and playing it 110 percent down to the last bit of energy, then what comes, comes. In sport you can win or lose, the important thing is not to have regrets ».
Have you already tried the Olympic track?
«We did a World Cup test in November. It is not the PyeongChang track: it is a little easier, there are no big structures, unfortunately it is not fast, but that is. It will certainly be a bit more beautiful now with the Games, but there will be battle ».
How do you live the anticipation of the race?
“The pressure is there, no need to hide it. It is good to accept it. I face it as if it were any race even if it really isn’t. I know I have worked well, that I am in shape, that I have never been so strong in snowboarding and that I work well with the coaches, without thinking about anything else ».
After the exploit of Italy in Tokyo, can you imagine a towing effect on your expedition?
«Surely the Summer Games had crazy and difficult results to match, also because the number of disciplines and athletes in the winter is lower. However, we will not be outdone. We will do great things ».
Who could be the protagonist? Is there a name you would be aiming for?
«I would still bet on the Sofy: even if it is hurt, an extraordinary result is always able to obtain it. Then Pellegrino, Fontana and some young people who are sure to arrive. I don’t bet on myself for good luck ».
Is it true that he uses the Riders Republic video game to improve certain details of the preparation?
“Yes, I’ve used it a few times to train visualization a little. It is something more that does not replace real training. Let’s say it’s a playful part, but it does something about it ».
How has your life changed after gold in Korea?
“Everything and nothing: it’s still me, with a little more commitments and visibility, more expectations from fans and sponsors, but in the end I remain the same grown-up child who loves snowboarding and loves competition, that challenge with the opponents to be able to beat them ».
What did she give herself for the gold medal?
“A beautiful van that I use for the holidays. The Californian lifestyle is my dream: surfing, playing the ukulele. Fantastic”.
Harassment in sports: there have been cases in your environment?
«That I know nothing, but it is a present phenomenon. Sad for that to happen. Anyone who has had the courage to talk about it like Simone Biles has so much courage and all my esteem and solidarity ».
Whose poster has the poster in the room?
“Never had. Lindsey Vonn and Federica Pellegrini inspired me, then I like to take inspiration from others who may not have won yet. Every athlete has something to teach ».
How did you start with the table?
«When I was 3 I learned to ski and I got bored quickly. At 8 my mother pushed me to try the table. I joined the first ski club, I did the usual process and here I am at the Olympics ».