Talent can only be realized thanks to a lot of commitment and a large dose of seriousness. The young Mattia Rei knows this very well and, in fact, after his Sardinian record for the Boys category in the short course in the 100m backstroke with a time of 56''52, he looks to the next races with even more determination to reach ever higher levels. elevated.
The Sport ER swimmer, followed by the 50-year-old coach Stefano Masala, with thirty years' experience as a coach, last week in the Terramaini pool in Pirri achieved one of the most highly technical performances of the event by making his the Sardinian title for the Boys class 2007: lightning start, passage to 50 in 27''70, a very fast but at the same time well managed first half of the race. The conclusion is tenacious, the swim fluid which allows the athlete from Sassari to make his own a regional record that has been resisting for some time.
However, the valuable results do not end here: Rei has in fact also conquered the Sardinian titles of the category in the 100m freestyle in 52''38, in the 200m freestyle in 1'54''80, in the 200m backstroke in 2'04''34 and on the 200 medley in 2'09''04. "This record is an injection of confidence to be treasured, but we have to keep our feet on the ground," explains coach Stefano Masala as he watches his student - a second-year student at the Liceo Scientifico Spanu in the capital of Turri - training in the Canopoleno swimming pool in via Moon and Sun.
Masala, a record that comes in a not entirely unexpected way.
«Exactly, it wasn't a surprise: Mattia has grown a lot in the last period and, above all, he comes from an intense and well targeted training cycle. The construction of the work is essential to obtain a good result».
How long have you been following your athlete?
«I have been training Mattia since October».
What changes have you introduced?
«There has clearly been an increase in the amount of work but what we are mainly working on is the approach to work: it is important that the kids develop an excellent predisposition to sacrifice because without that factor it is difficult to express themselves to the fullest. Furthermore, it is also essential to take care of the intensity of the training sessions ».
How often does Mattia Rei train?
«Every day, twice a week, he also prepares for the gym. He is still very young, we must not exaggerate, we must proceed step by step ».
What are its main features?
«He is, first of all, a young man with important physical qualities being one meter and ninety tall and having decidedly long levers. It is certainly very aquatic and has a marked buoyancy».
What are you working on in particular?
«We are working a lot on departures and diving. These are essential aspects that we cannot overlook and that can make the difference».
Speaking of making a difference: what's the game changer for an athlete?
"The mentality. It is essential to take care of and encourage this aspect, because everything starts from there: it is good to remember that an athlete can also have very great physical skills but if he does not have a remarkable mental solidity it is difficult for him to perform to the best of his abilities ».
Will Rei's future be the back?
«I prefer to concentrate on the present but I would say that Mattia's future will be that of a complete athlete who can also perform well in the 200 medley. It will obviously depend on him, I will try to prepare him in the best possible way for any specialty».
Upcoming events?
«From 2nd to 5th April the Criteria in short course in Riccione: Mattia will do the 100m and 200m backstroke and the 100m freestyle. We aim to give the best of us, drawing valuable insights from the comparison with the best athletes from all over the boot».
