“Sanremo, shame about missed selfie with Pausini. 2030 Olympics? Never say never”

A message also reiterated in Sanremo, after winning over the Italian fans.

“It’s the greatest victory. I chose an unpopular sport out of pure passion. I love skating, I enjoy it, it’s an affair of the heart.”

How was your evening at the Ariston?

“Beautiful, exciting. I told Laura Pausini that she is my favorite singer. I would have liked to take a selfie with her, but in the only useful moment I didn’t have my phone with me. I missed the moment” (he smiles).

Francesca Lollobrigida, double Olympic champion. Is she already used to it?

“Not yet. Soon there will be the World Cup in Holland, another important objective. I spent all my physical and mental energy on Milan Cortina and it wasn’t easy. Then, like four years ago, I would like to dedicate myself to my family and perhaps expand it.”

Will we see her again at the 2030 Olympics?

“Never say never. These days I’ve read everything, too fake news and posts created with artificial intelligence about my possible retirement. Nothing true, I never said that. I just made a wish. I’ve already been back once, why couldn’t I do it again?”.

Has your son Tommaso had fun in recent weeks?

“He’s not even three years old, it’s difficult for him to really understand what really happened. He immediately played with the medals, luckily without breaking them, but now it’s better to put them in a safe place. We have lots of photos and videos, one day we’ll see everything together again. In this sense, however, I want to say one thing…”.

Nail…

“I thank those who define me as an athlete, Olympian or other. But I first define myself as a mother, from the beginning of this journey. I wanted to send a clear message, you can be both. I stopped at the highest moment of my career and I came back stronger than before, after dedicating myself completely to the family. I have won more now than I did in the past. Being defined as a mother does not discredit me in any way.”

The hug with Tommaso after the first gold is the symbolic image of his Games.

“I can’t wait to frame it.”

Motherhood remains a sensitive topic for many athletes. Do you need more attention?

“I wouldn’t have been able to do all this without my family, the Federghiaccio and my sports group. It’s teamwork, without support you can’t get far. With the ‘Mom Project’ the Federation was by my side at every stage. Without that help, in all likelihood, these two gold medals would not have arrived.”

A few months ago he risked missing the Games due to a serious viral infection. Can you tell us about those moments?

“With an Olympics at home, I dreamed of a perfect season. I’ve always trained, even to qualify, but in a hard sport, not being at 100% weighs heavily. I felt anger, disappointment, a bit of everything. The people who accompanied me on this journey gave me the strength not to give up.”

Tell the truth. Would you have expected the Olympics like this on February 6th?

“I dreamed of a gold, I won two and I exceeded all expectations. I’m a realist, but since arriving at the facility I had very positive feelings. I felt good.”

Beyond the medals, what was the experience like?

“I felt great, everywhere. From the Olympic Village to the canteen, I felt at home. I will always carry with me the emotion of having competed in front of my audience.”

She said she was moved by the many messages she received from mothers, husbands, even gynecologists.

“They thanked me, but I just proved that nothing is impossible. If you can dream it, you can do it. I’m proud, in my small way, to have given someone extra motivation.”

From you to Federica Brignone, can the Italian companies also be a boost for the Paralympics?

“I said it immediately at the end of the Games. Stay tuned, because Milano Cortina doesn’t end here. The Paralympics have a profound meaning. They tell of the desire for revenge and the ability to overcome one’s limits.”

In this regard, you are also involved in P&G’s ‘Champions Every Day’ campaign, dedicated to inclusion.

“It is an initiative that concretely supports the sporting activity of people with disabilities, donating them aids and even special skates. It is a question of fairness. Everyone can experience the beauty of skating and it is an incredible boost. Sport is life, it must be accessible to everyone”.

There is talk of a possible candidacy of Rome for the 2036 or 2040 Olympics.

“I would be very happy, also because they would really be a stone’s throw from home. Experiencing an Olympics in your own country is extraordinary, I hope that this opportunity can also be given to other Italian athletes in the future.” (Of Michele Antonelli)