Sara Curtis’s words, Italian, 18 years old, the first mixed-race female swimmer to set the national records in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle, are deeply inspiring and reveal extraordinary maturity for an 18-year-old. Here are some reflections on her statements:
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“In sports, if you feed yourself with beautiful and wise words, your body moves in a positive direction…”
This observation highlights the strong connection between mind and body. Sara emphasizes the importance of positive language and emotions in athletic performance. It’s a holistic view: an athlete is not just physical strength, but also emotion, thought, and spirit. -
“Swimmers, in particular, have to withstand the loneliness of the pool.”
This sentence reveals a truth often left unspoken: swimming is a profoundly solitary sport. It requires introspection and the ability to live with oneself, in the silence of water and the repetition of training. -
“And to have a so-called normal life: passions, going out, studying.”
Sara shows that she understands the importance of balance. Even those striving for excellence in sports need external stimuli, relationships, and a daily life that completes them as people. -
“I listen to the podcast by Zazzeri and Restivo about dual careers…”
This detail shows how aware and curious she is. The fact that she draws inspiration from older peers and seeks role models demonstrates humility and intelligence. -
“Swimming is very mental… it can become harmful and alienating.”
Here, the darker side of sports emerges: the pressure, the extreme focus, the risk of isolation. Sara isn’t afraid to address these issues and to say that, without balance, even sport can become a prison. -
“I’m lucky: I have a family that gives me a double perspective on things.”
Her gratitude toward her family is touching. It shows that her balance also comes from a strong emotional foundation, which allows her to see sports with clarity and not only as a source of performance anxiety.
In summary, Sara Curtis is not just a promising talent in Italian swimming, but also a young woman with a clear, conscious, and deeply human outlook. Her words are a lesson for many, both in and out of the water.
