Athletics World Championships – Italy continues to dream, Tortu and Furlani chasing the feat

From our correspondent Claudio Lenzi

August 22nd
– Budapest (Hungary)

The Italy of athletics wants to continue dreaming and discovers its new cards for these World Cups in Budapest. After Leonardo Fabbri’s silver in weight and Antonella Palmisano’s bronze in the 20 km walk, it’s up to Mattia Furlani and Filippo Tortu to immerse themselves in the blue spirit. “There’s an incredible atmosphere, this is my first experience among the greats and I bring all the motivation of Jerusalem with me – says the 18-year-old new European under-23 long-distance champion -, now I hope to do well here too. It must be others who fear me, I am the one who has nothing to lose. Of course I’m not satisfied with anything, I’ll do my best to reach the final and then the podium”. Meanwhile he consoled his friend and colleague Larissa Iapichino: “You did a fantastic race for your age, I’ll ask you for advice on the platform and the sand”.

Relay yes

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Filippo Tortu at just 25 is in his fourth World Cup and can’t wait: “I arrived a few days early to enjoy the climate and the adrenaline of the warm-up camp. My goal is always the same, to go to the final in the 200m I will have to run faster than ever, in my opinion it will take a 19″95. It’s probable that at the exit of the corner you’ll find me behind, I’ll have to be good at staying calm. The favourite? Lyles and then Knighton, Hughes and Tebogo”. Filippo knows that on the day of the final there are also the qualifications for the 4×100. “I hope to find myself faced with the problem – jokes the Olympic champion – my availability in any case is not in doubt”.