The sea is a call to which it is impossible not to listen. Especially when, as in the case of Sardinia, one grew up in close contact with a suggestive and intriguing reality. A reality that will be the protagonist, on 20 and 21 May in Golfo Aranci, of the second stage of the World Cup in open water organized by the Aquatic Team Freedom and the Sardinian committee, a historic moment not only for island swimming but for the whole Italian swimming given that, for the first time, the event will land in Italy. The positive notes certainly do not end here: in fact, it will be the most attended stage in the history of the event with 156 athletes - including 88 men and 68 women - representing 27 national teams involved in the 10 km race and the 4x1500 medley relay . Furthermore, in these two days, it will also be possible to compete in the mile and three-kilometer test and another 110 swimmers are also expected among the athletes of the regional youth teams and the Masters sector. « We are very motivated as well as excited», commented Silvia Fioravanti, 49 years old president of the Aquatic Team Freedom. « This event is a springboard for the whole movement, there will also be two flagships of Sardinian swimming such as Fabio Dalu and Marcello Gudi so we are even more proud». Pride, faith in the future and determination: these are the guidelines to follow as underlined by Danilo Russu, 51, president of Fin Sardegna. « We must treasure these two days: it is a fundamental moment for the history of Sardinian swimming».
Russu let's analyze the parterre where there is no shortage of excellent names: who are the favourites?
« Definitely the Olympic champion Gregorio Paltrinieri but also watch out for Domenico Acerenza as well as the German Florian Wellbrock and the Ukrainian Mychajlo Romančuk. It will be a race of high technical content where there will be twists and turns».
Where will you compete?
« The start and finish are scheduled on the jetty of the Golfo Aranci seafront, a village reserved for athletes will be set up and the public will be able to observe the races in a special grandstand. Six laps of about 1660 meters each will be held, the panorama is very suggestive and fascinating, for example you pass in the MuMart or the underwater museum of Golfo Aranci with works by internationally renowned artists. In short, in addition to the excellent level, it will also be possible to enjoy an enchanting scenery».
What kind of race will emerge?
« Difficult to say also because a lot will depend on the climatic conditions. Rain is forecast, this is a factor that will make everything more selective. Surely, the swimmers will not stand by and watch, also because this second stage is valid as a qualification for the World Swimming Championships which will be held from 14 to 30 July in Fukuoka, Japan; everyone will try to give their best, the stakes are very high».
Among the athletes present, Marcello Guidi and Fabio Dalu from Cagliari stand out.
« Exactly, Marcello and Fabio are our two flagships, two young swimmers able to carve out a leading role at national level. Their presence is essential for the younger ones who see them as a point of reference. In general, we strongly believe in the open water sector and this second stage of the World Cup must be for us not a point of arrival but a springboard: we must continue to grow, stimulating the synergy between athletes, clubs and technicians so as to give life to an increasingly efficient large group. It will be a world showcase of great value, we must know how to make the most of it».
How important is this event for the youth of the regional representatives?
« It is essential, especially for Sardinia which will have the opportunity to compete with the best talents in the sector. We have summoned seventeen swimmers, for them it will be an immense wealth of experience that will prove to be fundamental for the continuation of their careers».
The event will also be open to the Master sector.
« That's right, by the way it's the first time this has happened. I think this aspect is also fundamental because it gives the many athletes in the Masters sector the opportunity to live a unique experience, finding themselves next to the greatest exponents of world long-distance swimming. They will themselves be the protagonists of a world-class event that they will always remember with joy and emotion».
In 2021 and 2022 the Coppa Len was brought to Alghero in Sardinia, this year the World Cup in Golfo Aranci. What are the main differences?
« I start by saying that the Coppa Len is an event of absolute importance, which represented a fundamental moment of growth for all of us. Clearly, there will be more national teams and a lot more athletes, which is always good. From a logistical point of view, both Alghero and Golfo Aranci are two points with little exposure to the winds which makes them ideal for sea races. Probably, since the race is in Golfo Aranci right on the seafront, the public will be able to enjoy greater visibility».
How are you living these days of eve?
« Clearly with great emotion and joy but at the same time we keep our concentration and look to the future. We must not settle down: the goal is to bring the World Cup to open water again next year in Golfo Aranci and in the same period, trying to have even more athletes able to put on a show in a context of great charm».
