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Interview: Mauro Nasciuti, deputy head of Italian delegation
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7/9/2009
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People Mistake us for Models
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The Italian delegation attracts a lot of attention at every competition, not only for their result but for their sophisticated fashion sense, as well. - The Italian national team is usually one of the most successful teams whenever we take part at some prestigious sports event. I don’t mind that people often mistake us for models – says Mauro Nasciuti, deputy head of the Italian delegation.
Italian fashion house “Fredi” has launched a special line of sports clothing for Italian athletes at the 25th Summer Universiade Belgrade 2009.
- We wanted our athletes to look their age, to be comfortable in youthful clothes they wear, to look dynamic and energetic – explained Mauro Nasciuti for ub2009.org.
It was Nassciuti, who decided last year, after the Olympic Games in Beijing, that “Fredi” should dress Italian athletes. Nasciutii admits that for him, fashion takes second place to good results.
- Due to a large number of competitions this month, it was difficult to form a good team for the Universiade. It is no small matter preparing athletes for the Mediterranean Games in Pescara, the Universiade in Belgrade and the World Water Sports Championships in Rome, all within one month – said Mauro Nasciuti.
Nasciuti explains that it is difficult to have direct contact with each of the 200 athletes present in Belgrade, despite the fact that he knows many of the personally. He adds that the coach has to be strict with his athletes.
- It is not easy for me to be strict with them; however, sometimes we are faced with a problematic situation. We had problems with Pietro Alsaldo, the tennis player, who had a cold before he came to Belgrade. He didn’t tell us that he would not be able to play at the tournament, so we had to have a long talk with hijm. It is impermissible for an athlete not to talk with the head coach or a delegation member. It should never happen. They have to be honest with us and always tell the truth – said the deputy head of the Italian delegation.
Nasciuti believes that top-class athletes should not look for excuses when they don’t get good results.
- It is easy to complain about the conditions, food or accommodation. All athletes live in the same conditions but achieve different results. Their job here is to give their maximum, no matter what. For example, it is often difficult to get a good place in athletics because difference between contenders is sometimes measured in a hundredth of a second. I believe that preparation of body and spirit is crucial before a big sports event. Motivation is a key to success – said the deputy head of the Italian delegation.
It is very important for athletes to rest, to sleep well, but also to have the right to a private life. A harmony must be achieved between all these elements for an athlete to have good results. It is good for them to make friends, to meet people from other parts of the world. The Universiade is the right place for that – concluded Mauro Nasciuti.
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