At the Ticinum Festival Rizza and Burdisso talk about their exploits at the Tokyo Games. And the beginnings are not easy
the party
Pavia embraces its Tokyo Olympic champions, Federico Burdisso and Manfredi Rizza. The organizers of the Ticinum Festival (which continues at the Cooperativa Artigiani del Borgo until September 16) managed to intercept them in a rare passage of both from Pavia.
A very talkative and at ease mayor Fabrizio Fracassi (“I also admire them as a former athlete, albeit at very different levels”) wanted to pay homage to both of them with the Angelo Grilli medal in recognition of the city. The canoeist Manfredi Rizza (30 years, silver in Tokyo in the K1 200) and the swimmer Federico Burdisso (20 years still to be accomplished, two bronze medals in the 200 butterfly and in the 4×100 mixed relay) told their Olympic adventures pursued by the questions of Roberto Torti, of the Province of Pavia.
«Thanks also to you two – Fracassi said, visibly moved -: I really enjoyed this summer. First as an Interista, then with the national team and finally with your medals ».
“He will be remembered as the most medal-winning mayor in history,” jokes Torti.
Businesses and the difficult debut
Manfredi and Federico open the book of memories, recounting their first experiences with sport, which were not exactly easy. «My parents took me to the Folperti pool when I was three – says Federico -. And I didn’t like it at all: they forced me and I cried ». “Given the results, mom Simona and dad Stefano were right to insist”, replies Torti.
No less traumatic was the start of Manfredi Rizza, on the kayak at Canottieri Ticino. «On my first canoe trip, I was among the youngest, I fall into the water. And the technician insults me harshly. I was terrified: not by the danger of falling into the water, but by the insults ».
Between one question and another the councilor for sport Trivi and Luciano Cremonesi, provincial president of Coni also intervene who, with grace, points out the lack of swimming pools in the city of an Olympic swimmer.
Torti’s next question is natural, that is, when an athlete realizes he is really worth. «When I was 8-10 years old – Federico replies -, at the first races, with my first friends they were always all behind me, there was no one behind me. I won easy, and from time to time. Not knowing there was a world outside that pool, I thought I was very strong. Then, comparing myself with others, I understood what I was worth, but it took time ». Manfredi instead confesses the difficulty of training: «I hate to struggle, I even hate climbing stairs – he explains – I am the laziest person in this world. And, despite this character element, I love to lead the life of an athlete, I like everything, even the hardest workouts. It will also be heavy, but it is beautiful ».