South Tyrol goes Tokyo | Swimming ace Stefano Ballo in private

In order to get to know the South Tyrolean athletes who will be competing in Tokyo from July 23rd from their personal side, we presented them all with a questionnaire. Ballo's answers paint a picture of a young man who certainly has his flaws, but also knows exactly what he wants. And that includes a meeting with the stars of the US basketball team and a very special pair of shoes.

Why did you become a swimmer?

I actually wanted to become a diver, but when my mother wanted to register me for a course, she was told that I was too tall and too old. So she enrolled me in a swimming course and I went through all age groups.

What is your sporting goal in Tokyo?

My goal is to enjoy and experience everything, to feel everything that defines the Olympic Games. I haven't set a goal for myself in terms of a time or a placement. But I want to swim as fast and as well as I can. Then we'll see what I take home with me.

Stefano Ballo in action.

How will these games be under Corona requirements?

There will certainly be special games with restrictions, but when they are carried out, they will be in complete safety. We have to turn a blind eye and accept it. Not so long ago it was not at all certain that the games would take place. But we all have to follow the rules.

Which athlete would you like to meet in Tokyo? There is no particular athlete I would like to meet. Of course it would be wonderful to meet the basketball players from the USA.

What shouldn't be missing in your luggage?

I don't have anything special that I'm taking with me. I have my personal lucky charms. The only things that have to be in my luggage are my swimming trunks, my swimming goggles and a swimming cap, because I can't start without these things. “Just be amazed at everything that comes” What do you already know about Tokyo?

I actually don't know much yet. I know we will be staying in the Olympic Village. That it is a very big city, but I plan to get there and just be amazed at everything that comes. Everything should be a surprise.

Do you have a lucky charm with you?

I wouldn't call them lucky charms, but at all important competitions like the Italian Championships, the European Championships or the World Championships, I always wear the same pair of shoes and the same socks. That calms me. And I always have the same model of swimming goggles with me, always with the identical lens and in the same color, so that everything is the way it suits me.

What is your hobby outside of sports?

I enjoy playing video games and spending time with my friends, but I don't have a particular hobby. I also devote a lot of time to my dog. There isn't any more time left aside from swimming.

What is your favorite food?

I can definitely say pizza.

What is your favorite place?

There actually isn't one, to be honest. Maybe Bolzano, because my friends from my childhood are there and my family, who I miss when I'm not in Bolzano. But there is no place I have to go once a year. About the person: Stefano Ballo Sport: Swimming Born: 18. February 1993 Location: Caserta/Bozen Olympic missions: 200 m freestyle (preliminary July 25th, possibly semi-final July 26th, possibly final July 27th) 4 x 200 m freestyle (preliminary July 27th, final July 28th)

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South Tyrol goes Tokyo | Swimming ace Stefano Ballo in private

In the series “South Tyrol goes Tokyo” we present the 9 local Olympic participants in more detail. It starts with the best swimmer in the country, who is already in the Olympic city: Stefano Ballo. He shows a side of himself that he rarely reveals.

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