Sanfilippo gives deep insights: “I felt very bad”

In December 2015, Federica Sanfilippo sensationally finished second in the sprint in Östersund to reach the podium. That was a great moment in her career, as were the two victories and four other podium finishes in the relay. But things haven't been going as planned for the biathlete from Ridnaun for two years now.

Last spring, the 30-year-old was demoted to the B squad, and now her name no longer appears in the national team. Sanfilippo explains to s+ how she received this news, why she felt left alone in some situations, what plan she now wants to try on her own and what role her good friend Dorothea Wierer plays in all of this.

Federica Sanfilippo, what thoughts went through your mind when your name was missing from the Italy squad?

“I wasn't surprised and I wasn't disappointed either. In the last two years I haven't produced any results, so what justification could I have had to stay in? When the person in charge, Fabrizio Curtaz, informed me, I was calm.”

Was that it for you now?

“I have to admit that after the season I wasn't sure whether I would continue. Because not much worked out this winter either, I felt extremely bad, especially mentally. When the season ended, I took some time off and had to rethink everything. Until mid-April I didn't know whether it would continue. But now I’m determined to keep going.”

“I think I need this change more than any other.” Federico Sanfilippo How will this work now? After all, you are no longer part of the national team...

“I have decided to continue with my sports group on my own. I am very grateful to the Fiamme Oro (police sports group, editor) for this. I will be provided with three coaches, one will help me with shooting, two will coach me in cross-country skiing. To do this I now have to move to Fiemme Valley, where I train from Monday to Friday. I won't be doing any more sessions with the national team, I don't want to do that at all. I've taken this path and want to try something new. I think I need this change more than any other.”

Sanfilippo wants to know again. © Federica Sanfilippo private / Armin Strickner

What made you say: I want to try it again!

“I thought to myself: It’s actually a shame to stop like this. Ending your career like that, with such negative feelings and thoughts, would have left a bitter aftertaste. Because I still know what I can do.”

“The fun was gone and I felt left alone with my problems.” Federico Sanfilippo In your career you have reached the World Cup podium once in the sprint and have achieved numerous podium places in the relay. Why has the worm been in there for two years now?

“It’s difficult to explain. Psychologically, I put too much pressure on myself. I was no longer able to translate the performance I achieved in training into the race. I wasn't that confident on the shooting range, and I wasn't really sure on the skis either. And then you get caught up in a negative vortex that is difficult to get out of. The fun was gone and I felt left alone with my problems. “The trust disappears, in yourself, but also in the people you work with.”

The Olympic season is coming up next year: what does your schedule look like?

“I definitely won’t be running in the World Cup at the start of the season. I'll probably start with the 'Coppa Italia' and then try to work my way up. From the IBU Cup to the World Cup, if things go well. This is the way for me to catch myself. So I take two small steps back to take one big step forward. I believe that if I can show my level, then I will also be considered for the World Cup.”

“Doro told me: 'Fede, you are a fighter. There is no stopping.'” Federico Sanfilippo You are a close friend of Dorothea Wierer. How did she react to your removal from the team?

“Of course we talked a lot and she also noticed that I was feeling bad. But she told me: 'Fede, you are a fighter. There's no stopping, especially not before the Olympic year.' But if you only see black, that's easier said than done. When I told her that I was moving on, she was happy - also because I'll be spending a lot of time in Fiemme Valley now and am therefore close to her (Wierer also lives there, editor's note)."

Interview: Thomas Debelyak

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Sanfilippo gives deep insights: “I felt very bad”

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