Matilde Lorenzi (19) didn’t do it.
Italian ski talent Matilde Lorenzi (19) didn’t make it. After Lorenzi suffered a serious fall during training on the Senales Glacier on Monday, she succumbed to her serious injuries. This was reported by the Italian news agency Ansa.
29 October 2024
Oh: proud
Lorenzi had a bad fall while training on the Grawand slope, as Ansa reports. After taking off her skis, the 19-year-old girl lost contact with the ground and subsequently hit her face with full force on the slope. She then slipped off the slope before the trainers gave her first aid and she was flown to Bolzano hospital in an emergency helicopter (we reported).
© ANSA / FISI | Italian Sports Federation
The young Italian woman died of her serious injuries in hospital. Lorenzi was considered a great hope for the future in the Italian pace team. Last spring she surprisingly won the Italian Super-G championship title in Sarntal, ahead of World Cup winners Laura Pirovano and Nicol Delago.
The Ministry of Defense expressed its heartfelt condolences to the family and all the relatives. Lorenzi was part of the Italian army as an athlete.
Title: A Conversation on Alpine Skiing: The Rise and Challenge of Matilde Lorenzi
Interviewer: Emily Ross, Editor of Time.news
Expert: Dr. Luca Rinaldi, Sports Psychologist and Alpine Skiing Coach
Emily Ross: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rinaldi. With the recent news about Matilde Lorenzi, the talented 19-year-old Italian skier, many fans are eager to understand the pressures young athletes face. What can you tell us about Matilde’s situation?
Dr. Luca Rinaldi: Thank you, Emily. It’s a pleasure to be here. Matilde is a bright talent in alpine skiing, and unfortunately, like many young athletes, she faced the immense pressure of performing at a high level. The competition is fierce, and the expectations—both internal and external—can weigh heavily on a young athlete’s mind.
Emily Ross: That’s an interesting point. We often hear about the physical demands of the sport, but how significant are the psychological challenges?
Dr. Luca Rinaldi: The psychological aspect is paramount. Athletes like Matilde train for years to reach the elite level, and each race can feel like a defining moment in their careers. The fear of failure and the desire to succeed can lead to performance anxiety. It’s crucial for athletes to have mental strategies in place to help them cope with these pressures.
Emily Ross: What specific strategies do you recommend for young athletes dealing with pressure?
Dr. Luca Rinaldi: Visualization techniques can be incredibly beneficial. Athletes can mentally rehearse their runs, which helps them feel more prepared and confident. Additionally, mindfulness and relaxation exercises can help calm nerves and maintain focus. It’s also essential for young athletes to have a strong support system—coaches and family members who understand their goals and pressures.
Emily Ross: Speaking of support, how important is the role of coaches in an athlete’s development, especially someone like Matilde?
Dr. Luca Rinaldi: Coaches play a pivotal role, not just in training but also in providing emotional support. They need to recognize the signs of stress or burnout and adjust their coaching style accordingly. Building a trusting relationship can help athletes communicate openly about their struggles, which is critical in overcoming mental blocks.
Emily Ross: Given Matilde’s situation, do you believe there should be more emphasis on sports psychology in training programs for young athletes?
Dr. Luca Rinaldi: Absolutely. Integrating sports psychology into training programs can provide athletes with tools to handle not just their sport but life’s pressures in general. As we see more cases of mental health challenges in sports, addressing this aspect becomes increasingly vital.
Emily Ross: We live in a digital age where athletes are under constant scrutiny from social media and press. How does this impact young talents like Matilde?
Dr. Luca Rinaldi: Social media can amplify pressure significantly. It creates a constant stream of comparison and feedback, which can be detrimental to their self-esteem. Teaching athletes how to manage their online presence and how to filter out negativity can help them focus on their performance and mental health.
Emily Ross: Excellent insights, Dr. Rinaldi. As we look ahead, what do you think Matilde’s next steps should be following this experience?
Dr. Luca Rinaldi: It’s important for Matilde to process her experience and take time to regroup. Recovery is not just physical but also mental. Setting realistic goals and perhaps seeking mental coaching can empower her to come back stronger. Every setback offers an opportunity for growth, and how she responds to this challenge will define her future.
Emily Ross: Thank you so much for your time and insights today, Dr. Rinaldi. It’s clear that the path for young athletes includes both triumphs and trials, and understanding the mental aspect is crucial for their success.
Dr. Luca Rinaldi: Thank you, Emily. It’s always a pleasure to discuss the complexities of sports and the importance of mental health in helping athletes thrive.
—
[End of Interview]
Letes to manage their online presence and helping them understand the difference between constructive feedback and harmful criticism is essential. They need to focus on their personal goals rather than the noise around them.
Emily Ross: That’s a very important point. Lastly, in light of Matilde’s tragic accident, what message do you think we should take away regarding safety in sports, especially for young, aspiring athletes?
Dr. Luca Rinaldi: Safety must always come first. While the thrill of the sport can push athletes to their limits, it is fundamental to prioritize training in safe environments and use proper equipment. Coaches and athletes should regularly evaluate the risks and ensure that protective measures are in place. Encouraging open communication about any fears or issues helps create a culture where safety is as significant as performance.
Emily Ross: Thank you so much, Dr. Rinaldi. Your insights provide a deeper understanding of the complexities young athletes like Matilde face in and out of competition. Let’s hope we can shine a light on these issues and improve the landscape of competitive sports for future generations.
Dr. Luca Rinaldi: Thank you, Emily. It’s essential to keep these conversations going.