The world long jump champion in Trento: “Nothing is impossible and my career proves it. In exchange for the world record I would agree, as a die-hard Roma fan, to Lazio winning the Champions League…”
Mattia Furlani is a showman: on the stage and on the stage. On that of the Teatro Sociale of Trento, host of the Sports Festival for the third consecutive year, it is a river in flood, captivating and disruptive. And with very clear objectives: as the reigning long shot world champion, indoors and outdoors, he is already looking ahead towards his next objectives. And to measures that would make it even bigger. Until – why not? – at 8.95 of Mike Powell’s world record which has stood since 1991. “One step at a time, it’s not an impossible result – he says – the medals I’ve already won demonstrate that nothing is impossible”. Mattia, in this regard, also willingly submits to a playful game. “What would you be willing to do to surpass Powell’s record?”. He accepts everything, even – as a die-hard Roma fan and after quite a bit of hesitation – seeing Lazio win the Champions League and, even, his Roma in Serie B for a season! Even if at the end of the meeting he seems to recant…
his world
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The Rieti native – a 20-year-old of great maturity – looks back on his splendid season, returning to the magical night of the world championship gold in Tokyo, to that 8.39 – a personal improvement of one centimeter – on the fifth attempt of a difficult final. And, with mother-coach Khaty in the room, he talks about the importance of his family, of his sister Erika, a former 1.94m high jumper who, in November, will make him Nicolò’s uncle, of his many passions, especially fashion. And about the hatred for the sand in the long hole: “In the evening, when I go to bed well showered – he sighs – I also find it behind my ears”. Precious video messages arrive that make him particularly proud: from Mike Powell himself, whom he met at the Festival two years ago, and from the European record holder, the Armenian Robert Emmyan. They both compliment each other and invite him to contact them for any advice or needs. “They are champions who inspire me – admits the baby policeman – and who I study carefully to try to improve myself. In reality I also admire stars from other sports, like Jannik Sinner for example, a true phenomenon. I know that for some kids, today, I too am an athlete to be taken as a model. I am very pleased, I hope to always be up to the role”.
the objectives
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Mattia, fresh from a week’s holiday in Mauritius with his girlfriend Giulia, will begin preparation for the next season in Rieti on Monday. “I’ve had fun for too long – he smiles – it’s time to go back to being serious people. I will take stock with mum and all my staff, I will undergo physical and biomechanical tests to understand what conditions I am in, we will plan the stages leading up to future appointments. From a technical point of view we will not change much, however from a physical point of view, we will increase certain loads. Up to now I have worked like a semi-professional”. Better not to think about where it will go…
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