More Italian medals at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham: Massimo Stano and Sofia Fiorini win gold in the walking marathon.
The Apulian got the better of the Spaniard Miguel Ángel López. Bronze for the Frenchman Quinion. Quinto Riccardo Orsoni. The 22-year-old from Tuscany achieved a new world record of 3h15:11, even going so far as to overtake almost all of her opponents in the last kilometres.
And it was a double in the walking half marathon with Francesco Fortunato winning silver, while Andrea Cosi won bronze. Gold goes to Spaniard Paul McGrath.
Medal also for Alexandrina Mihai, silver in the women's half marathon in 1.31'04". Gold for the Spanish Maria Perez. The Italian won the final duel at the finish line with the Ukrainian Olyanovska (1.31'07). Fifth place for Antonella Palmisano.
Fiorini: 'Gold is lightness. I had fun
"Gold gives me the feeling of lightness, after this period of long attachments. It was a very fun race, especially the end: at the beginning I was struggling because I wanted to go faster, but the marathon requires patience. When I got the signal I left. I had fun." So Sofia Fiorini at the finish line. "And I've been practicing walking since I was little. In the last period I have changed my spirit because I enjoy it. I want to continue like this", adds the new European champion. "The greats have certainly been a great stimulus. I watched their races on TV. We give each other strength, up to the youth teams where they achieved great results. We are a united group. This is the strength of the Italian marching movement", continues Fiorini. "Gold gives me the feeling of lightness after this period of long attachments. The real race begins in training, then the race is the completion", concludes the Tuscan champion.
Mihai: 'Silver is a start. I'm grateful for what I've done
"It's a start. Maria Perez is unattainable in the world today, but you always have to aim for something unattainable to push yourself further." So Alexandrina Mihai after the silver. "I'm really grateful for what I did today. I knew I would arrive here in good condition, I hoped for that bit of luck that is always needed and I put all of myself into it - she continues - Since I started walking Antonella Palmisano was the top athlete in Italy, and she still is. I have lots of photos on my phone from when I was younger and at races I would ask her to take a photo together. Today it was almost an honor to beat her. She is truly an inspiration for us. I remember Tokyo 2021: that race really made me understand that you can make a living from sport and that it's worth it."
Stano: 'No one stopped me today, I wanted the gold'
"I'm very happy because usually at the European Championships I'm not able to get active and excited like in world events. But this European Championship was different for me, also because Rome remained here for me. I came to Birmingham with the idea of wanting to collect the third gold that I was missing, close this collection and mark my name alongside Cova and Tamberi, among the Italians who have won everything in the summer events". So Massimo Stano spoke to Rai. "A certain age is starting to arrive and there is no shortage of ailments - he continues - Luckily I have two physiotherapists who are angels, because I am an incredible pain in the ass, that's the truth. And a great coach. There is no shortage of ailments, but there is experience. At a certain age, in a journey like this, experience was fundamental. It was really tough. But today nothing or anyone could stop me, because I was really focused on this goal. I managed to hit it and I'm really happy." "I didn't know anything about the banner that my friends brought. The only thing I did was prepare my One Piece hat, because every time, out of good luck, I never wanted to wear it. This time I said: 'No, nothing should stop me, I want to bring it, I want to celebrate this great achievement with my captain'. I am overjoyed, overjoyed and overtired", concludes the continental gold medalist.
Fortunato: 'Silver is definitely worth a lot'
"The silver is certainly worth a lot. Obviously I was hoping for victory, but I knew that the Spaniard was very strong. This season he has been improving and I expected him to arrive here in top form. He was very courageous in making an attack from afar, while, given the tough course, I preferred to be more cautious. In the end we almost found each other. I have to be honest: he rewarded his courage, but I was rewarded by prudence. The silver makes me happy, I take this result more than good." Thus Francesco Fortunato on Rai's microphones, after the silver.
Andrea Cosi is satisfied with the bronze: "This podium manages to give meaning to a season that had always gone badly - he explains - I worked well, but the results weren't coming out. I arrived here telling myself: I'm trying to stay with the group of leaders. When the attack was too strong I preferred to stay with the group. I have to thank Francesco, who pulled me along for three-four kilometres: alone I wouldn't have been able to go so fast. I'm very happy for this third place".
