VALGIOIE (TURIN). “Matildina” on the track, in one of the races won last year: this is the photo chosen to remember the very young athlete who passed away, accompanied by a blue band and a heart. It is placed on the coffin of skier-matilde-lorenzi-falls-in-training-she-is-in-a-very-serious-condition/” title=”The Italian skier, Matilde Lorenzi, falls in training: she is in a very serious condition”>Matilde Lorenzi, the skier of the junior national team who died at the age of 19, which would have been 20 on November 15th. It is in the parish of her Valgioie, where she was born, on the hairpin bends that lead to the Sacra di San Michele, where Val Sangone opens up from Val di Susa.
White angels rest on the coffin, in a group, alone. They are scattered. There is also a red rose and, next to it, other bouquets of red roses and white roses flecked with red. His souvenir photo, the one that those who mourn his death can carry with them, is that of his profile, with the background of a fiery sunset among his mountains.
Silence and hugs from her loved ones and friends surround her. Behind the photo I remember a promise: “Your soul will be a new star, which will shine with an intense light, such as to illuminate our hearts forever”.
“We are proud of her.” Father Adolfo he says it just outside the funeral home. Mother Elena is in the small church of the village, embraced by her other children and by many friends and local people and says how “she is” her Matilde in the photo on the track, placed in the funeral home.
“We will need everyone” repeats the father and it comes naturally to think of the pain of a parent. Instead, it is he and his wife who find a word of hope and a future with anyone who approaches. “We have the research project for safety on the track to carry forward – the father tells everyone -. There are many of us, we will do it well, otherwise Matilde will scold us. She was precise. We have already gone to a notary, we have the Federation that provides us with the legal office. We will soon let you know how we will raise the funds. We need individuals and companies.”
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sports Psychologist Dr. Laura Gallo
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Gallo. Thank you for joining us today. As we reflect on the recent tragedy involving Matilde Lorenzi, a promising young skier who tragically passed away, I’d like to explore the emotional impact on her community and fellow athletes. What are your initial thoughts on this heartbreaking event?
Dr. Laura Gallo: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The loss of such a young and vibrant athlete is devastating for everyone involved. Matilde was not just an accomplished skier but also a symbol of hope and aspiration for many young athletes. Her passing at just 19 years old leaves a significant void, and it’s understandable that her community in Valgioie would be deeply affected.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. The funeral scene you described, filled with silence, roses, and those heartfelt sentiments, paints a poignant picture of grief. How do you think such public mourning rituals play a role in the healing process for the community?
Dr. Gallo: Public mourning rituals are incredibly important. They provide a space for communal grief, allowing individuals to share their sorrow and remember the deceased collectively. In Matilde’s case, her community likely gathered not only to mourn but to celebrate her life and achievements. Such gatherings can foster support networks, offering emotional comfort and a sense of belonging, which is crucial during such a traumatic time.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned celebrating her life. In your experience, what are some effective ways that families and communities can honor the memory of young athletes who have passed away?
Dr. Gallo: There are several meaningful ways to honor someone like Matilde. Communities can create scholarships in her name to support aspiring athletes, or organize annual races or events that reflect her passion for skiing. Additionally, fostering workshops or initiatives focused on mental health awareness in sports can serve as a legacy, helping others navigate the pressures that young athletes face.
Time.news Editor: That’s insightful. It must also be challenging for Matilde’s friends and teammates. What advice would you offer to those who are personally grieving, especially other young athletes who looked up to her?
Dr. Gallo: It’s absolutely essential for friends and teammates to acknowledge their grief and express their emotions. I encourage them to lean on one another for support, talk about their feelings, and share memories of Matilde. It might also be helpful for them to seek professional counseling, especially within the sports community, to process their loss in a healthy way. This can help them understand that grieving is a natural part of life, even in a profession where they might feel pressure to remain strong.
Time.news Editor: That’s valuable guidance. As we move forward, what do you think organizations and sports associations can do to better support athletes both emotionally and mentally in light of such tragedies?
Dr. Gallo: Sports organizations must prioritize mental health just as much as physical training. This includes providing access to mental health professionals, implementing programs that teach coping strategies for dealing with loss and pressure, and creating an environment where discussing mental health is normalized. By doing this, we can create a culture that not only focuses on performance but also on the well-being of the athletes.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gallo. Your insights are not only enlightening but also incredibly important as we reflect on Matilde’s legacy and how we support athletes in similar situations.
Dr. Laura Gallo: Thank you for having me, and for shedding light on such a significant topic. It’s crucial we continue these conversations to ensure that our athletes feel valued and supported, on and off the field.