Rio 2016. Gregorio Paltrinieri: “Thank you very much, Mom. I think of you often"
Every now and then a message, but nothing more. Because at the time of the races, especially those that are worth a lifetime, he usually isolates himself to find the right concentration. Let alone when there is an Olympic medal at stake, the most valuable of all international competitions. And so Gregorio Paltrinieri, top athlete in the five-circle pool of Rio 2016 and ambassador together with the mother of the Procter & Gamble campaign “Thank you very much mum”, chose a video letter to communicate all his recognition to mum Lorena.
Because behind the success of this huge champion, who at only 21 years old already boasts seven gold medals between world and European championships, there is the fundamental role played by a mother who has always supported him by giving him confidence, strength and courage. A decisive role that P&G has enhanced with a series of initiatives, not least the “Family Home”, a home away from home that welcomes the mothers of Olympic athletes from all over the world to Rio.
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"On the eve of an important race I always tend to be alone for a while, I try to concentrate and keep my mind clear - confesses the athlete -. But these days I often think of you: when I come home in the evening, upset after a day of training, when I wake up early in the morning and think about how many sacrifices are necessary to pursue one's dreams, the same ones I confided to you as a child ".
In Rio, where the mother arrived with her husband Luca, they have not yet seen each other: Greg remained in Santos until 6, and even if he will only dive into the pool on 12, he prefers to stay away from any emotion that could distract him.
"I often think of your sacrifices - continues the athlete from Carpi in the letter -, all the times you got up before me and made me breakfast. At the races you did, after work, to pick me up and take me to the pool, at how many times you dried my hair, undressed and dressed, at the hours you spent in the stands watching me, at your inimitable sandwiches waiting for me in the car before and after training ".
At 16 he left home to pursue a dream that is now there, really one step away from being realized. “You never asked me for anything, except to be happy - concludes Gregorio Paltrinieri -. And then, my sacrifice today becomes almost natural, spontaneous: because I know that I am not alone, I have never been and that I have to work hard to defend the very dream of a child to which you, first of all, gave strength, courage. and unconditional trust ".
