“When I became pregnant, I had to run away”

If everything had gone according to Sandra Gasparini's plan, she would be working as a personal trainer in a luxury hotel somewhere in Miami or Hong Kong, getting the rich and famous into shape. But life writes its own stories. And that's why the 30-year-old former professional athlete was sitting at home in tranquil Unterackern near Vipiteno when s+ reached her by phone. Always with her, even during the telephone conversation: little Elliana, who Gasparini gave birth to last May and has been her greatest treasure ever since. “I have become calmer since Elliana arrived,” says Gasparini, who also alludes to the last months and years in which she “traveled around world history” and experienced exciting times. From the toboggan run to the desert city It all started in 2014 when Gasparini decided to end her career as a professional luger at the tender age of 24. For some this early retirement may have been surprising, after all Gasparini was talented at what she did. Although the Wipptal native had to struggle with setbacks towards the end of her career, she was already runner-up in the relay at the age of 17, took part in two Olympic Games and also achieved several top 2 places won in the World Cup. “For me it was absolutely the right decision. I didn't want another year like that. It was just too much of a time commitment for me,” said Gasparini, who also had some differences with the coaches and so left her professional life behind.

Gasparini was a talented luger and took part in the Olympics twice. © APA/epa / TOBIAS HASE

So what now? Gasparini trained as a fitness trainer during her active career. Because sport was still the dominant theme in her life. The young South Tyrolean woman was increasingly encouraged in this principle in the years that followed, including when she tried her hand at her father's company. But being “locked” in an office was not what the Wipptal native expected from her life. “When my relationship at the time ended badly, I knew: I had to get away from here.” Alcohol only with ID The choice ultimately fell on Dubai - also because it is comparatively easy to get a visa here. She finally took on this adventure in 2018 and soon ended up in the luxury hotel Mandarin Oriental, where a night costs around 1000 euros - at least. “I worked there as a personal trainer. When I saw the gym in this hotel, I was just amazed. Over 450 square meters in size, the latest equipment, and a view of the sea - just wow.” At that time, Gasparini was greatly benefited from her previous sports career. “In Dubai it’s pretty much about rank. For example, it’s important for people to say that their personal trainer was at the Olympics.”

The Wipptal native worked as a personal trainer in Dubai. © private

Life in the desert city is also different from that in Europe. “The rules are strict when it comes to alcohol. You need an ID from your employer to drink a glass of wine. In addition, life is very expensive. “After a year you don’t even notice the Lamborghinis and Bugattis anymore – they’re just normal,” Gasparini has to smile. Unintentionally pregnant – that’s dangerous in Dubai Gasparini also met her boyfriend Victor in Dubai. “He is Brazilian and worked as a military instructor in Dubai,” said the 30-year-old. However, the two didn't want to stay in the desert city forever. “In the summer it is 45, 50 degrees Celsius here. You practically can't go outside. But I need freedom, which is why I asked for a transfer to Miami or Hong Kong. I should have changed in 2020, but that didn’t happen.” "The consequences? They would have locked me up as a mom and taken the child away from me.” Sandra Gasparini Gasparini became pregnant unintentionally – “and that is a dangerous thing in Dubai. A child before marriage or sexual intercourse before marriage is not tolerated here. The consequences? They would have locked me up as a mom and the child would have been taken away from me. Nobody really knows what would have happened to the baby. There are also several cases in which one does not know what ultimately happened to the mothers. That's why I had to leave." After the month of notice was up, Gasparini returned to Vipiteno. That was in November 2019, and little Elliana was born in May 2020. Corona is causing difficulties But starting a family comes with obstacles. “Victor has now returned to Brazil and actually wanted to travel to us in spring 2020. But then Corona came – and it was impossible for him to receive an entry permit. “So he has never seen his child live,” regrets Gasparini, who hopes that the situation will improve soon.

The former tobogganer has already made plans for her personal future. “I will soon start my own business. During pregnancy I discovered that pregnant women are not properly supported. That's why I want to help women in this situation, but also all those who want to change something in their lives - including with personal training. I have already developed a concept for this and will start soon.” Gasparini will mainly stay in South Tyrol for this. The circle after the exciting years seems to be slowly closing.

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“When I became pregnant, I had to run away”

She was once a promising luger, but life had other plans for Sandra Gasparini from Vipiteno. After ending her career early, she experienced adventurous years in the big wide world - and has now landed back in her South Tyrolean homeland after an extraordinary story.

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