From Esterzili to Mandas: 15-year-old Letizia Deiana must travel 46 kilometers to pursue her dream as a gymnast

Many journeys, almost every day, up to Mandas: rain, sun, frost, cold or heat, often homework to do in the car and late dinners when, by now dark, you return home to Esterzili. There are forty-six kilometers of twists and turns (over 40 minutes by car) that separate Letizia Deiana, 15, from her greatest passion: rhythmic gymnastics. Sacrifices and determination that have never failed, materializing, just a few days ago, with second place in the Msp Italia championship of Rhythmic Gymnastics (promotional senior overall with hoop and clubs).

"She arrived at the competition a little discouraged, during the journey we had some inconvenience, but when she arrived on the carpet she was serene, she forgot everything and Lety brought out all her grit and determination", they proudly say, mother Alessandra Boi and father Ciro.

A love, that for rhythmic gymnastics, blossomed ten years ago now, never denied even in the most difficult moments, when tiredness often prevailed.

“It was difficult for us because of the distance. We started a little out of curiosity, but then when we saw that her passion grew over time, we supported her and made all possible sacrifices to fit commitments, school and thus give her the opportunity to play sports that wanted,” add the parents.

“We did it for many reasons. First of all, because sport is fundamental in every boy's life. Living in Esterzili has its merits, but also its many limitations: I was the first to suffer from not being able to do so many things that I would have liked to do, but which I had to give up precisely because of the great distances», highlights mother Alessandra.

The first time Letizia crossed the door of the gym where Rhythmic Olympia Mandas trains, which over time has become her second family, Letizia was five years old: the ball, hoop, clubs and ribbon became her second skin.

«This year has been tough – adds the young gymnast-. I train for two hours, but unfortunately the times have changed: I start a little later and finish at 8.30 and then I have to go back to Esterzili, so I arrive very tired, just long enough to eat and then go to bed, because the alarm goes off in the morning at six: I attend the second year of the scientific high school in Isili and I also cover many kilometers to go to school ».

And he adds: «when, however, I can't go to the gym, I train at home, obviously once I've set up the exercise well thanks to the help, even from a distance, of Sara, my instructor».

Satisfied with the goal achieved, the parents are, however, happier for the happiness that this sport gives to their daughter: «The results certainly satisfy you, I don't mean that they are secondary, but before the competition there is more. The sacrifice that we all make, but above all Letizia to practice a sport that should always and everywhere in the growth of every boy has a different flavor, as does the special bond with teammates, who can't wait every time To see. Then there are all the values that the sporting discipline teaches and for this a special thanks goes to Sara for her great work and commitment».