The blue couple is the first in the female to win an elite tournament 16. Valentina: “How much I chased this medal”
They raised the trophy and next to them, on the podium, but more at the bottom had the Olympic champions Ana Patricia-Dreda (third) and the number 1 of the world ranking Thamela-Victoria beaten in a 2-1 pulled final (17-21, 21-18, 15-6). They do not suffer from vertigo Valentina Gottardi and Reka Orsi Toththe new leading couple of the blue beach beach that in Hamburg obtained the first victory in an elite 16, the highest category tournaments of the FIVB world tour (in the current formula that began in 2022). The first ever to female and the first run -up for years from the Modenese Gottardi who, in the previous Olympic cycle, has tried several times with Marta Menegatti: “Four quarters placed on four semifinals – says the 22 -year -old blue smiling -. It had become a taboo. And instead this victory arrived in Hamburg where last year I played the last tournament with Marta (who then said goodbye to the played Beach. ed) “
A special victory in many respects.
“It is the first at this level and we also chased it with Reka a lot. This year three fifth placed in Squarema, Brasilia and Ostrava. We always came there one step so we knew we could stay at that level but the last jump could not be able to take Reka who kept it a little and we went back together only at the end of July for the European and for the Elite of Montreal”
The path made also gives satisfaction.
“Yes, very much. In the semifinals we beat the Germans Muller-Tillmann who had thrown us out and we also overcome it clearly (21-19, 21-13, ed). A nice revenge, we knew to be worth more than the fifth European place. Then the final with the Brazilians was very tough”.
A particular tournament also for the presence of coach Caterina De Marinis on the bench
“Yes they are doing tests, it was first time that they allowed the technicians to stay on the bench. It is an experiment that I liked very much, I think that, especially for young couples, help a lot. I then grew up with Caterina who is one of the best technicians internationally. We will see how they will continue”.
The couple with Toth Orsi but it seems that he is giving great results.
“We did some tests at the beginning of the season by mixing the couples but with Reka we are finding very well. She was very good at managing the first semifinal at this level. Obviously there is still a lot to work but a victory like this gives great satisfaction”
For a four -year period he was under the protective wing of Marta Menegatti. What effect it now has to be the most experienced even if Orsi Toth is larger than age.
“It is true the years with Marta have been very important for my growth and already in the last I gave a clearly higher contribution. I am trying to transmit the experiences I made to Reka because the experience is worth only if you put it to good use as a team. She is very good at her anyway”
An important victory also in a worldwide key, scheduled in November. How does the season continue?
“Yes, the goal is that and this victory Gasa very much. Initially we had to participate in the Rio and Cape Town Tournament but perhaps with this victory the technicians will want to change something. It will also take a period of preparation in the gym to get to the top at the World Cup. But next weekend we are certainly in Bellaria for the finals of the Italian championship. We were very careful”.
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