Gabriele Sbattella, old competitor of the TV program Sarabanda, had his say on the rumors that have involved him in recent days: “It’s sorry to be involved in these discussions”
It was supposed to be a noble initiative and has become a cause for great discussion. Among the 10,000 torchbearers of Milan-Cortina there are many sporting excellences left out. In the general chaos, the finger is pointed at the Fondazione Milano Cortina and CONI, but also at some of the people chosen to carry the torch. Among these there is also Gabriele Sbattella, who became famous as “Man Gatto”, an old competitor on the television program Sarabanda, brought up by the former cross-country skier Silvio Fauner. “My wife Elena and I live the same – explained Sbattella to the Gazzetta -. We are sorry because we find ourselves involved in these discussions despite ourselves. We applied on the portal that had been created. The call calling us received the invitation on 31 December and filled us with joy”.
Do you expect a public apology?
“Of course. Elena and I are apolitical and non-partisan. Anyone who exploits all this for political purposes will have to assume their responsibilities and give valid reasons. I expect a public apology from all these people. In the meantime, everything is in the hands of our lawyers.”
What does having carried the torch mean to you?
“Being part of a historical moment, a moment that conveyed a message of peace. In ancient times even wars were stopped for the Olympics. Unfortunately in the history of this event there have been boycotts, terrorism, cases of doping, protests against various countries. All things that are bad for the Olympic movement. Let’s not waste the good this event generates.”
What do you think of athletes not taken into consideration as torchbearers?
“I feel sorry for them. That’s all. But sport is life, I hope we can concentrate on the event.”
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