At 19, the long distance world champion brings to the stage the freshness of a natural talent and the confidence of someone who already knows how to handle the limelight. Mattia Furlani is the gold that lights up the Trento Sports Festival. Charisma, spontaneity and a disarming smile: the boy from Grottaferrata is the new face of Italian athletics, the one capable of making even those who remain with their feet firmly planted on the ground dream. At the Auditorium, the Superman soundtrack starts to welcome him. "I have watched my jump so many times, I would say that all the reproductions on YouTube are mine," he laughs.
"Where did I come from? From holidays: I've been to Mauritius. Now, with the team, we are starting to organise the work, we will do it respecting my biological growth. I have never yet faced preparation as an adult, as an already formed physique. I am happy to have invested in myself, in preparation, in prevention. Many guys who want to excel in athletics don't go about it with that in mind. You have to seek the result, want it. Take a monster like Duplantis: every year he does better, because he is healthy, intact. In Tokyo I did the perfect jump, I gave everything and I set myself the goal of winning at least one medal. My brother always says that the best jump is the fifth. I remained calm even after the first, I knew I was OK. I knew that if I got the right one right, there would be nothing for anyone.
Publication date: 11/10/2025