Young Judo Stars Shine at the Under 18 Tricolors
The PalaPellicone in Ostia was the stage for the thrilling Under 18 Italian Judo Championships, showcasing the rising talent in the sport. Among the standout performers were athletes from Ima San Mamolo and Dojo Equipe Bologna, who delivered impressive displays of skill and determination.ima San Mamolo, led by technical manager and president Paolo Checchi and coach Patrick Covato, witnessed a remarkable achievement from 15-year-old Lucia Magli. Securing her fourth podium finish in as many seasons, Magli clinched a well-deserved silver medal. This impressive feat also earned her a coveted spot in the under 21 finals, highlighting her potential for future success. While teammates Paolo Fancello and Francesco Vasina narrowly missed out on the top ten, Viola Tamburri demonstrated her prowess by reaching the quarterfinals.
dojo Equipe Bologna,under the guidance of president Laura Di Toma and house director Paolo Natale,also celebrated a triumphant moment. Alice Bersellini, competing in her inaugural year in the cadet class, showcased her talent by capturing the bronze medal in the 48 kg category. After five hard-fought matches, including a single defeat, Bersellini battled her way back to the third-place final, ultimately securing victory with an ippon against her Roman opponent, Rocco. Bersellini’s success is notably noteworthy considering her family legacy in judo. her parents,Maria Elena Turchet and Andrea,both accomplished athletes who now serve as esteemed technicians at Dojo Equipe,have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping her journey.
Regrettably, Mattia Ghini from Dojo Equipe Bologna faced a setback, succumbing to pre-competition nerves and failing to replicate his strong performance from the regional teams. Despite this early exit, Ghini’s potential remains evident, and he will undoubtedly learn from this experience as he continues to develop his judo skills.
Nurturing Future Champions: A Conversation with Judo Legend Giovanni Casano
Teh recent Under 18 Italian Judo Championships, held at the PalaPellicone in Ostia, unveiled some truly remarkable talent. Two clubs, Ima San Mamolo and Dojo Equipe Bologna, seized the spotlight with their standout performers. To delve deeper into the meaning of these achievements and the future of Italian judo, we sat down with judo legend Giovanni Casano, a two-time Olympian and multiple European champion.
Moderator: Maestro Casano, thank you for joining us today. We witnessed some remarkable displays of skill at the Under 18 Championships. What were your initial impressions of the young athletes competing?
Giovanni Casano: It was truly inspiring to see such raw talent and passion on display.These young judokas possess a hunger to learn and improve, which is crucial for their progress. It reminded me of my own early days, the excitement and determination to push my limits.
Moderator: Ima San Mamolo’s Lucia Magli clinched a silver medal and secured a spot in the under 21 finals. An impressive achievement at just 15 years old. How vital is it for young athletes to gain experience at these higher levels?
Giovanni Casano: Absolutely vital. Competing against older and more experienced opponents pushes them mentally and technically. It exposes them to different fighting styles and strategies, accelerating their learning curve.Lucia’s performance is a testament to her dedication and the excellent training she’s received at Ima San Mamolo.
moderator: Dojo Equipe Bologna also celebrated a triumph with alice Bersellini’s bronze medal win in her inaugural year in the cadet class.Her parents, both accomplished judokas themselves, undoubtedly played a role in her success. How important is family support in a young athlete’s journey?
Giovanni Casano:
Family support is invaluable. Having parents who understand the demands and sacrifices of competitive judo can make a world of difference.They provide not only emotional support but also invaluable guidance rooted in their own experiences. Alice’s success is a testament to the power of family involvement in sports.
Moderator: Dojo Equipe Bologna’s Mattia Ghini, however, faced pre-competition nerves and didn’t perform to his potential. These setbacks are part of the journey. How do you think young athletes can overcome these mental hurdles?
Giovanni Casano:
Mental fortitude is just as crucial as physical prowess. Young athletes need to learn strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Visualization techniques, positive self-talk, and mindfulness exercises can all be beneficial. It’s also important for them to understand that setbacks are part of the process. Learning from mistakes and bouncing back stronger is what defines true champions.
Moderator: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Italian judo?
Giovanni Casano:
I see immense potential within our young athletes. The talent is there, and with continued support from clubs, coaches, and the federation, Italian judo can soar to new heights. we need to nurture this talent, providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to succeed on the international stage.
Moderator: We appreciate your insightful comments, Maestro Casano. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us today.
We wont to hear from you! What are your thoughts on the performances at the Under 18 Italian Judo Championships? Share your comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going and support the future stars of Italian judo!
