For just under forty seconds, the whole Luigi Ridolfi stadium in Florence is as if it has been enchanted to see them darting over the tartan. The magic of the 4x100 relay allows this and much more, especially when you are the reigning Olympic champions with elements such as Lorenzo Patta, Fausto Desalu and Filippo Tortu. A Filippo Tortu who, last Sunday at his seasonal debut, authoritatively concluded the final fraction of the relay, leading the Azzurri to win with an absolutely respectable time trial of 38''38 on the occasion of the Florence Sprint Festival Relays. His preparation proceeds under the banner of that dedication and meticulousness that have always distinguished him and with an awareness of which he has been a cornerstone: it is the details that make the difference. This is the essence of athletics, a discipline where the little things can consecrate an athlete by fixing his name forever in history.
Tortu let's start from the time achieved in the relay or 38''38: are you satisfied or did you expect something more?
« I would say that it went well, it was certainly a good debut. We would have liked to have done a little better but to be the first race of the season we can't complain. We still have two opportunities to improve, so we look forward with confidence to the next appointments in view of the World Cup in Budapest which will be held from 19 to 27 August».
What sensations did he have during his fraction?
« Very good, then the final fraction stimulates me a lot, it's always been my favourite. More than running fast, I was interested in running well and without getting upset, for now that's fine. There will be time to push to the max."
How was it to compete again?
« It was a great emotion, above all because there was a lot of support being in Italy. Running in a beautiful setting like that of the Ridolfi stadium in Florence was a great stimulus».
In Florence, in addition to her, Lorenzo Patta and Dalia Kaddari, there was also a very young hope of Sardinian speed, namely Elisa Marcello.
