WCH Tokyo 25 brushstroke (© World Athletics)
Quotes from a selection of athletes at a press conference held by the Italian team at Casa Italia on Friday (12).
FURLANI, IAPICHINO
Mattia FURLANI (ITA) – men’s long jump
On his season:
“It’s already been a successful year for me, with the gold medal at the World Indoor Championships. But it’s also a special one because I’ve worked a lot on my run-up and on my development.
“I’ve been training well, as shown by my recent second place in the Diamond League final in Zurich. Now it’s up to the runway to speak to me.”
On the contest in Tokyo:
“In the qualification round, I would like to keep as much energy as possible, to get the mark early and secure a spot in the final. It’s a global line-up, no one is missing.
“What will I bring with me? A lot of determination – and maybe a change of clothes in case it rains, which has happened quite often this year.”
On competing in Tokyo:
“I wasn’t born at the time but I know very well that long jump history was made in Tokyo (at the world championships in) 1991 with Mike Powell’s world record of 8.95 metres, in that epic duel with Carl Lewis.
“I often go back and watch it. It’s an incredible technical feat that continues to teach me. Having a world championship in September is tough but the goal is to be at my best.”
Larissa IAPICHINO (ITA) – women’s long jump
On her season:
“It’s been an intense and long season. I realise I’ve been competing for quite some time now, especially when I think back to my first outdoor competition at the end of May in Palermo, where I jumped 7.06m – my first time over seven metres – after winning European indoor gold.
“The lead-up has been smooth, and I’m really happy with the work and planning I’ve done, I made the right choices. I’m enjoying this moment, but it’s still the eve of a world championship.
On the contest in Tokyo:
“There will be surprises, everything resets, what counts is how you approach the competition. It will be a fight down to the last centimetre and I want to challenge myself.
“The qualification round is a particularly stressful moment, probably the most nerve-wracking. It requires balance but it’s an advantage for me that it will take place in the afternoon.
“I’ll bring a few items with me: a keychain given to me by my roommate, pole vaulter Elisa Molinarolo, along with some more recent items like a small trophy from the Diamond League, as a reminder of my victory in Zurich. And a Japanese good luck charm.”
