The tale of Greta, from the accident to the tricolor silver

Rhythmic gymnastics. The 19-year-old della Pavese second in Foligno 4 years after risking losing her legs following an investment

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From the drama of the road accident of which he was a victim 4 years ago to the tricolor silver in the ribbon specialty, won at the absolute Italian championships of rhythmic gymnastics. It is the fairy tale of the 19-year-old from Pavia Greta Riccardi, who, in November 2017, was hit on the pedestrian crossing while she was on her way to school by bicycle. Greta risked losing her legs, was subjected to a very delicate surgery at San Matteo and then transferred to the Niguarda in Milan, where the doctors miraculously managed to save her limbs.

The rest was done by the will of the very young promise. At the cost of enormous sacrifices, Greta slowly returned to her great love, that rhythmic gymnastics that gave her the strength to start again, up to crown this run-up by climbing on the second step of the podium in the national final in Foligno, where Greta presented herself with the title of regional champion in her pocket.

Special dedication to mom

«I’m very happy – she says – second place was a really important result for me and one that I wanted so much, but by no means taken for granted: there were many gymnasts competing and all of them of high level. I want to dedicate this silver medal to all those who have always believed in me and who have supported and encouraged me from the beginning, despite all the difficulties. In particular, I dedicate it to my mother who has always encouraged me to continue even after the accident, to Mario who accompanies me in all competitions and cheers for me, to my coaches, Cristina Marini and Cecilia Perrone, who have encouraged during the race, giving me the right motivational charge ». Greta Riccardi was the only girl from the Pavese Gymnastics who managed to qualify for the national finals in two tools: the ball and the ribbon. In the first specialty, however, she was unlucky, as she finished ninth out of thirty girls in the competition, while only the first eight were allowed in the final challenge for the tricolor title. “However, I want to start from this medal – concludes Greta – to have the right energy in view of a new great challenge, that of remaining in Serie B with the Pavese team”.

Enthusiastic president Lorenzo Lanza: «Greta is an example of sacrifice and struggle to make one’s dreams come true. This silver is an excellent result for our splendid gymnast who continues to give us great emotions and gives us hope for the cadet championship where she will have the rank of captain ». –