The fencer from Catania, considered one of the favorites in the individual sabre event at Paris 2024, eliminated in the first fight: “I wasn’t good against a rival who exploited my indecisiveness”
What a disappointment! There’s no point in beating around the bush; Rossella Fiamingo’s exit in the first bout (thirty-twos) this morning left everyone stunned. She was defeated by the American Cebula in a tiebreak (15-14), a rival she has beaten on many occasions, but not in this crucial match. The Catanese fencer’s individual Olympic journey ends immediately, and now she must find the right energy for the team event.
immediate reaction
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“I was very apprehensive about this first challenge; there’s always tension at the beginning. And I wasn’t good, I know that. I was not sharp against a rival who, on the contrary, took advantage of my indecisiveness. Even when I was ahead 10-8, I was always fearful and felt she could catch up with me. Usually, against her, I find the right keys to block her, and when that happens, I tend to have an easy time. But today I was not reactive. I am really angry; I feel good, much better than in Tokyo. And I felt I could go all the way. Of course, there was this damn first bout to overcome, and I got stuck. Now I have to process this exit, and it won’t be easy. But there’s the team event; I want to make up for it because my Olympics can’t end like this.”
blue athletes in light and shadow
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The disappointments for the Italian team are doubled: the final thrust was also fatal for Giulia Rizzi, who lost 12-11 to the Polish Klasik. The debut at the Games betrayed the Italian, who started poorly (down 6-1) but then staged a great comeback. Just when it seemed she had it, there came a cruel twist. Fortunately, Alberta Santuccio did not betray: the other Catanese in the group defeated Rahman 15-10. “I am happy because the first bout is always the most complicated. I won while fencing poorly; I can only do better. In the next match, I will face a French competitor (Vitalis, ed.), and I will have the crowd against me: it’s extra motivation. Am I the last hope for Italy? Don’t say that… I found out about Rossella and Giulia’s exits after my bout. I am really sorry, but as I said, the start of an Olympics is a trap. I managed to get through it, and my confidence is growing.” In a couple of hours, Alberta will be able to prove herself in the round of 16.
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