The monthly Federbocce column is inaugurated by the Bassa Valle star Helvetia, a multi-time world champion in volleyball from Aosta Valley: “After two very demanding seasons and without taking a break, I was tired, but the results continue to arrive”. The former Volo coach: “And overall it can grow further…”
Fib Top Player, sister of the Fib Top Team column, is ready to make its debut. For the occasion, the focus shifts to the individual athletes who, over the course of the month, stood out more than others for their talent, sacrifice, continuity and attitude on the pitch. Cutting the ribbon is Natalie Gamba, athlete from Bassa Valle Helvetia, a young Aosta Valley multi-time world champion in the specialty of flying.
the beginning of 2026
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The Italian retraced her sporting moment, between the present and future prospects. “2026 started very well, especially in the last weekend: we played two important matches with my club and, fortunately, we managed to express ourselves in the best possible way.” And then, on an individual level, encouraging signs arrive: “I also managed to perform in the traditional tests and I am happy to have improved in this aspect, considering that it was one of my weakest points”.
the family
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The reference to the strong family bond that accompanies her on the pitch is precise: “I do the relay with both of my sisters and it is a source of great pride. It is not easy to find three sisters who practice the same sport, share the same passion and play on the same team. There is never envy or jealousy, on the contrary: we always try to support each other”. A journey that began early: “My older sister and I approached this discipline in 2014, when my parents took over the bowling alley in Pont-Saint-Martin, in the Aosta Valley. My grandfather also played in category B for many years, but before then I had never thought of dedicating myself to the discipline. Then the passion was also passed on to the youngest, who is now 15 years old.” Despite some physical difficulties, Natalie doesn’t lack strength: “I’ve had some small problems at the beginning of the year. I’m coming from two very demanding seasons and I’ve never been able to switch off, so the tiredness makes itself felt. But commitment and the desire to do well are predominant elements, so the results keep coming.”
goals
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The gaze is already cast towards the great future events: “I hope for a call-up for the 2026 World Cup in Alassio. There are many of us who deserve it and I know that to get a similar call I must continue to work hard, without ever letting my guard down.” Also important is the memory of the World Games in China, held last August: “It was a very formative experience, both from a personal and sporting point of view. I had never competed in such particular climatic conditions, with high heat and humidity that made it difficult to express oneself at the best. Despite this, in the mixed relay with Ivan Soligon we finished in first place: a result that for me had an inexplicable value in words”.
the coach of the flight
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We couldn’t help but contact Piero Amerio – former coach of the National Volo team who shared the Italian team so much. His is a contribution that goes far beyond a single technical comment. “Natalie struck me straight away. I could sense in her a great passion for this sport and a strong competitive will. Technically she has a natural predisposition to fail, a talent that she has cultivated with great commitment. She is intelligent, perceptive and determined to continuously improve herself.” Amerio remembers her growth in the fast tests: “Together we built a very beautiful path. I saw that she also had great potential in the fast tests and, if well trained, they could take her far. At the beginning she stood out as a relay runner in her club, then – in synergy with the managers – she also started practicing progressive shooting, bringing prestigious gold medals to Italy in both tests”. A clarification also comes about the traditional game: “I believe that in the combined game she can continue to grow. In the last period she has achieved notable results, both in terms of victories and scores. I suggested that she improve her approach and I believe that she has done so: I am very happy for her”. The technical aspect, without a strong focus, is probably not enough: “She is very good at keeping the enthusiasm and the set goals alive. She has all the characteristics to be considered a great athlete and she is only 24 years old, so there is plenty of room for growth.” On the recognition of Fib Top Player, Amerio concludes: “For an athlete to receive this award is a sign of great satisfaction. For a girl like her it also represents a further incentive to remain at the top of the best”. In closing, a personal memory, capable of moving even the hardest hearts: “When he won his first world title in 2024 and told me “I’m happy that you were able to see me win such an important competition”, I was moved. And when he added “I have to thank you because you believed in me before I did”, it was the real icing on the cake of a journey shared together”.
La Gazzetta dello Sport
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