The 32nd edition of the Olympic Games will be held between 23 July and 8 August. This edition marks the third consecutive Olympics competition for our top athlete Giorgio Avola, member of the men’s foil fencing team. After a long training period of qualifications, Giorgio won his right to participate in all scheduled competitions.
For the foilist, who is also enrolled in the Economics and Management Degree Course, the Olympics represent a great opportunity to replicate the positive experience in London where despite being an entrant, he dragged the team to the symbolic laurel wreath. The athlete described his emotions before travelling to Tokyo and his future goals and dreams.
1. Use three adjectives to describe how you are feeling before travelling Olympic Games.
Impatient, motivated and determined.
2. Do you have a pre-match ritual ? If so, which one?
I’m not a superstitious person, but I very much believe that fortune favors the bold. In order to win, what matters is to prepare to win, which means paying attention to the smallest of details.
3. Are you more anxious before a match or before an exam?
Definitely before an exam. The unknown is what scares us most and however complicated it may be, I have come to familiarize with the fencing piste having frequented it for over twenty years. For an ambitious sportsman like myself, living up to the challenge that studying can present creates greater anxiety in me than when I step onto the fencing piste and let go.
4. Will you bring any books to Olympics?
Given the context of this Olympics edition characterized by the pandemic and its restrictions, we will have a lot of spare time to spend alone. I believe I will also find the time to study.
5. Does having an athlete’s mindset help you in your university career? How?
Having a competitive mentality is the basis of success and also applies to the university world. Being willing to make sacrifices and being goal-oriented are the fundamental ingredients for success in any field.
6. When you’re not busy with competitions, training and studying, what are your hobbies?
I am a vintage car and motorcycle fan and I like to spend time (unfortunately very limited) in company car and motorcycle garages. They tell a romantic story.
7. What is your secret dream?
I wish to create and find something that motivates and stimulates me as much as fencing has done until now, once this chapter in my life comes to a close. But there’s still time!