The 32nd edition of the Olympic Games will be held between July 23 and August 8.
Letizia Paternoster is one of the most anticipated young Italian athletes on the Games’ cycling track. With several prestigious milestones reached and a silver medal at the cycling omnium World Championships in 2020, last season was challenging for her due to injuries and setbacks along the way. Her determination pushed her to pursue her dream, cycling straight to the Olympics where she is ready to amaze her audience with her perseverance.
The athlete described the emotions before departing for the Olympics and his future goals.
- Use three adjectives to describe how you feel in view of the starting the Olympics.
Happy, excited and determined.
Yes, the first is the pre-race warm-up session with the team without neglecting the aesthetics aspect. In fact, I like to do my hair and makeup before hitting the track.
- Are you more anxious before a competition or before an exam?
Definitely before a competition. I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing, but competitions make me more anxious than sitting a university exam.
- Will you take books with you to the Olympic Games?
Yes, I’ll take more than one book. I’m currently preparing the General Sociology exam, so for sure, I’ll travel with some of Orsini’s books to accompany me on the journey.
- Does having an athlete’s mindset help you in your university career? How?
The determination I bring to the track is the mirror of what I bring back to university. Accomplishing a goal in life, at university and in sports is certainly one of the things that accompanies me and makes me proud.
- When you’re not busy with competitions, training and studying, what are your hobbies?
I love to go to the mountains and to the beach. I enjoy going for long walks and spending lots of time outdoors.
- What’s your secret wish?
My dream in sports is definitely linked to the five rings. Beyond sports, it’s to start a family of my own.