Mariabenedicta Chigbolu

Professional Athlete, Rieti

«Having a dream, or a goal to reach pushes you to move forward even when things are more difficult».

What part of your career are you most proud of and why?

I am proud to have represented Italy at the 2016 Olympics and to have beaten the 4x4 record together with my national team mates, I am also proud for all those times that after making a mistake I had the strength to get up and give my best by reaching the goals set, and i'm also very proud of being an athlete of the Army sports center.

What is it that motivates you to get up every day and do what you do?

For me it is normal to train every day, it is my job. Sometimes it happens not to feel great physically, to have physical aches or pains that do not allow you to train as you would like, but having a dream, or a goal to reach pushes you to move forward even when things are more difficult, this dream is now the Tokyo Olympics, and every day, every training is important for my preparation. I consider myself very lucky for what I do.

What would you say to your 13 year old self?

I would tell her to have fun, to study and play sports, maybe even try different ones, to listen to the advice of the grown-ups but to always follow and cultivate her passions, I would also tell her to love my hair that its is beautiful and to not be ashamed because it is different from those of her companions. 

What changes do you hope to see in your sector in Italy in the next 5-10 years?

Athletics are not very popular in Italy, I believe that making our races more spectacular would attract the attention of more people. In northern Europe, athletics is followed and practiced much more. Promoting sports projects concerning athletics in schools would help make it known to young people. Ours is a problem of sports culture, in Italy only football is often seen on TV. Other sports should also be made known, including athletics, I hope that in 5/10 years there will be more visibility.