Vivarelli and the whole family

Debora Vivarelli was in a training camp in Sweden until Sunday. On Monday she flew to Rome via Stockholm and yesterday she went to Paris. "I've been on the road since July 7th. That's just how it is and you have to adapt to it," explains the 31-year-old.

Qualification for her second Olympic Games was in doubt for a long time. "In December, it didn't look like it would happen at all. I was already despairing," says the wife of Bozen ice hockey goalkeeper Gianluca Vallini. “In December, things didn’t look good for Olympic qualification.” Deborah Vivarelli Her husband, her parents and siblings, and Jason Luini, home trainer at ASV Südtirol, are also traveling to Paris. "I'm really happy about that. They have always supported me, they've always supported me. As a thank you for their support, I really wanted to qualify for the games in Paris," says a happy Vivarelli.

Meet stars in the village The blonde is doing well, she is highly motivated and is looking forward to the "City of Love". In the Olympic Village she will meet many stars of the sporting world. "I want to get to know gymnastics queen Simone Biles and simply exchange experiences with other athletes," Vivarelli says, looking ahead. She will play in the first round of the individual competition on July 1, 27 or 28. "I don't know my opponent yet ( Hina Hayata from Japan Since the world's best players are only entering the tournament later, I'm hoping for a good draw," says Vivarelli. But she is focused and in a really good mood.

The Bolzano native is currently number 84 in the world.

"There is a reason for that. When I wasn't feeling well and was down, mental coach Monika Niederstätter helped me a lot. I would like to thank her very much and I will also get in touch with her in Paris," said Vivarelli. She wants to be at the opening ceremony (which is said to last several hours), although that depends on when she has to play. One thing is clear on her schedule: "I want to see Jannik Sinner play. That would be great." Vivarelli is also interested in the rhythmic gymnastics competitions.

Pillows as lucky charms The table tennis player also has a lucky charm with her. "Yes, it's a pillow. Because I have to sleep well," jokes the 31-year-old. In the evening, she should definitely be able to have dinner with her family. There won't be a "bubble" in Paris like in Tokyo, when people weren't allowed to meet friends and relatives.

The question about the chances of winning a medal always makes Vivarelli smile. Why? So far, no non-Asian has won a medal at the Olympic Games. That is unlikely to change in Paris. For an Italian table tennis player, just taking part in the Olympics is like winning gold. Vivarelli is even taking part for the second time and wants to really enjoy it.

A brief portrait of Vivarelli Born: 28. January 1993 resident: Bolzano Height Weight: 1,62m/58kg Verein: Army Sports Group and ASV South Tyrol Hobbies: Watching ice hockey games (from husband Gianluca Vallini, goalie of the HCB) and sports on TV, yoga and shopping Best Ranking: No. 69 Greatest successes: Main draw in Singapore, 2 x semi-finals at WTTA tournaments, 2 Olympic appearances, 2nd Olympic appearance Competitions in Paris: 1st round in women's singles on 27, 28 or 29 July

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Vivarelli and the whole family

In Tokyo 2021, there was no sign of an Olympic atmosphere because of Corona. That's why Debora Vivarelli was keen to experience "real" Summer Games. She has her loved ones with her in Paris.

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