When the medal was put around my neck, I was struggling within myself to believe that I had won my first gold medal in the 25 meter backstroke.
Now more than ever I am focusing on my next race: whether it’s at the Tre Fontane or not doesn’t matter, because I know I have a team on my side that believes in me, starting with Enrico, Monica, and Valentina.
The one thing I want to say to all the boys and girls that have a disability like me is to come and try any sport. Whether it’s swimming or another, it doesn’t matter, the important thing is to not close in on yourself for fear of not finding people who don’t believe in us and in our athletic ability. Someone like me can tell you that since I joined the FINP, I’ve found a part of myself that I didn’t know I had. For this I will always be grateful, forever!
Translation from Italian to English by Sarah Jorgensen (JFR)
