Athletics, Dallavalle: “In that jump there was all the hard work and the setbacks”

Tokyo, Sept. 19 (LaPresse) – “Something unimaginable! In that jump there was all the hard work and all the setbacks of the past years. I gave everything, I went ‘all-in,’ and it paid off,” said Andrea Dallavalle after winning the silver medal in the triple jump at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. “I didn’t realize how long the jump was. When I saw I was in first place, I thought: something’s wrong, they measured it wrong, or I did something great… luckily it was the second jump!” he continued, describing the competition. “Then I hoped until the end; I thought maybe I had done it, but I knew Pichardo always has a card ready, and unfortunately, that was the case. Still, it was incredible.” “I don’t give up easily despite injuries,” he added, “and I’m very determined. Finally, I could prove it, because I haven’t always arrived at competitions in the best condition. This time I knew I was well-prepared and had to earn it.” He also shared an anecdote: “Even this time, my Diabolik underwear brought me luck. I met tennis player Matteo Berrettini, who was congratulating me from the stands, so I went to greet him, shake his hand—it was amazing and moving that a champion like him congratulated me. Now they will have to watch out for me on the runway too, but I won’t change, I remain the same guy, and I think no one will ever take this away from me.”