Antonella Palmisano, moved dedication after podium celebration

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the podium celebration, Antonella Palmisano wanted to dedicate the silver medal she won in the 35 km march to the World Athletics Championships started today in Tokyo to someone who, as she put it, “is tackling her 50 km”. The smile, at this juncture, gave way to emotion.

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“I dedicate this achievement to a person who is struggling at home, Stefano,– said the ’Olympian at the 2021 Summer Olympics, held precisely in Tokyo -. He is a friend of the family, I hope he can win his battle”. Palmisano also revealed that she had major difficulties in the race: “The thought was telling me to stop, like in Paris. But it was just cramps, at the Games it was different”.

The Italian champion also spoke about her relationship with today&#8217s winner, Spain&#8217s Maria Perez: “She is a special person, a true friend– she said.

After retiring in Paris, she gave me charge and motivation, we even trained together. There’s a healthy competition, today her pace was better: all this pushes me to train even more to reach her”.

The only negative note, for Antonella Palmisano, is not about today&#8217s race, but about the direction the march is taking, with several format changes on the horizon: “It&#8217s been five years that we always change: this year we do 20 and 35 km, next year 21 and 42 km. At the Los Angeles Games there will only be 21 km: these changes don”t make us feel good.