Long levers, excellent basic speed, tenacity and a remarkable protagonist's attitude. Maria Domenica Cossu, 14 years old bearer of Acquasport, is one of the most interesting young swimmers in Sardinia, capable of growing gradually season after season. The results speak for her and, after an important first part of the year in the short course, the initial outings in the 50m course have shown that the path taken together with her coach Alessio Suergiu is the right one: the Cossu, on 13 May in the Terramaini pool in Pirri, she signed the new Sardinian record Girls in long tub with a time of 4'31''28 on the 400m freestyle, time also valid for participation in the category Tricolors which will be held the first week of August in Rome. Her race is the demonstration of a clear technical and mental progression: she starts decisively but without overdoing it, paying attention to her swim so as not to get upset, the turns are efficient and allow her to relaunch the action, the last 50 meters are all sign of a push closure that allows it to sign a new record from which to start again with even more determination.
Suergiu, this new record on the 400m freestyle is the result of not just an attention to detail.
«Exactly, we knew we could be worth the Sardinian record Girls but what interested us most was the technical aspect and, precisely, we based our competition on the technique. What interested us was swimming well, keeping a slightly more relaxed stroke rate so as to relax better. These expedients allowed Maria Domenica to have a greater freshness on the finish which proved to be decisive».
On May 14, however, he took part in the 200m style where he signed the new personal with 2'10''22 and a new time limit in view of the tricolor category.
«That's right even if he could have done better but we are still very satisfied. Maria Domenica had the tiredness of the previous day's race on her legs which clearly takes away a lot of energy but she still managed to express herself well».
On 3 June he took part in the eight time trial, also in Terramaini. What is his judgment?
«I would say more than positive because she improved on the 100 freestyle swimming in 1'00''34, signing another time limit for the Criteria. It's a race that he feels particularly close to him, he took advantage of his basic speed and the result demonstrates excellent form».
Precisely in the eighth time she also ventured into the 800m, a decidedly longer test than the ones she usually faces.
«Yes, undoubtedly, but it's important that he also tries his hand at these distances. We must not forget that Maria Domenica is very young and must not lose sight of the playful aspect and the desire to compete even in those which, currently, are not yet particularly congenial competitions for her. However, he took a good second place behind an excellent Carla De Santis, finishing in 9'38''43: it was good training, he will have time to metabolize this distance. We are in no hurry, what matters is to grow regularly».
On 4 June he also took part in the team championships in the Boys category where he won the 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle.
«Yes, however, the team championships were a moment of transition, they weren't our focus. We are in a transition phase, where it is essential to find continuity: the last two and a half months have not been very easy for Maria Domenica between the end of the school year and a few too many ailments. Despite this, he is managing to train well and with serenity, it is important to continue on this path».
What are the aspects you are focusing on the most in this period?
«Definitely on the technique. It's not enough to swim fast, swimming technique makes the difference. We are taking care, in particular, of breathing and coordination or two factors that we absolutely must not lose sight of ».
When will Maria Domenica Cossu be back in the pool?
«In this month of June he will hold the Absolute Sardinian championships in long course in Terramaini, while at the end of July it will be the turn of the Sardinian category championships in Sassari. Clearly, our main objective will be the Tricolors of the category in Rome in the first week of August».
What races will he play on that occasion?
«It's still too early to tell, there are two months left until the event and we are in full preparation. We will evaluate a little earlier, based on Maria Domenica's form: being very young, she must live certain appointments as an important experience, without getting caught up in tension. What interests us most is that he has fun and that he draws valuable food for thought from a prestigious scenario such as that of an Italian championship».
Among the various races faced, in which do you see the future of Maria Domenica Cossu?
«I'm thinking of the 200m freestyle, a race that is particularly suited to your characteristics. In a race like this you need great speed but at the same time excellent resistance, qualities that are not lacking. We'll see, now let's think about focusing on this season which is getting underway, then we'll evaluate what to do in the future».
