The Universiade Up Close
Eurosport describes the Universiade as "today's champions, tomorrow's leaders." Known as the Olympic Games for university athletes, it welcomed almost 8,000 athletes/students from 131 countries in late August. An event that has been held every two years since the late '50s, participants this year included ultimate champions such as Italian Olympian Gregorio Paltrinieri. There were also three Bocconians: Lucrezia Raco, swimmer and graduating student in Law; Federico Vismara, fencer, enrolled in his second year of the Bachelor of Science in International Economics and Management; and Filippo Campigli, golfer, who is about start a Master in Corporate Finance at SDA Bocconi.
"The most exciting part, that I'll never forget? Definitely just before the final, when we were getting ready on the starting blocks, each athlete was introduced by first and last names, nationality and university. That's when you truly realize that you're representing your country, your sport and your university," explains Lucrezia. She placed 6th in the final for the 50 freestyle, "but I was only 9/100s from the bronze. I'm a little disappointed, even though my performance was within my times." Swimming is a tough sport, it requires intense training and sacrifices, but moments like these reward all the hard work: "Training every day and studying is strenuous, but fulfilling. I see myself taking on a career as a lawyer, but now I have athletic goals to achieve. In December, the European Championships will be held in Copenhagen and I hope I can participate. My specialty will allow me to have a fairly long career."
Filippo has participated several times in the golfing National Championships, including the youth competitions. His most lasting memory is about the athlete's village and the atmosphere there: "Friendship, respect, complete shared values. You're there to compete, to beat your opponents, but at the same time for a life experience. The climate is much more relaxed compared to golf competitions, where you just feel like opponents." When thinking of his future, Filippo sees more finance than golf, at least at a competitive level. "I won't become a professional, I made different choices. Golf is a great opportunity for networking, lots of managers and entrepreneurs I've met want to play with me. In the meantime, though, I'll have my last competition of the season on 15-19 October, the National Championships."
"When you enter the stadium for the procession during the inauguration ceremony, you really feel like you're at the center of the world. It's hard to describe the feeling."
With nerves of steel that earned him the gold during the Under 20 World Championships, it was difficult for Federico to stay as concentrated, "when it's very emotional. People are used to seeing only the delegation processions on TV, like at the Olympics, but athletes get to the ceremony much earlier. During that time, you meet other athletes from your country and other countries. My athletic performance was lower than I expected. But for fencing, this is a particular time of year, after the regular season, so I wasn't at the top of my game." For these athletes and all the other athletes – "tomorrow's leaders" – it was an adventure they will never forget.