Everything has its time. A holiday at the seaside after so much hard work, the Olympics as a mother, the emotion of carrying the flag during the Opening Ceremony, the silver medal won with her foil teammates. Even the decision about his future will come at the right time: it’s good to plan, but for each crossroads you first need to build the road and four years is a long time (spoiler: not too many). Arianna Errigo has no desire to be overwhelmed by the frenzy: no more burdens on the shoulders – except for the sweet weight of the twins Mirea and Stefano – and with the impositions. Filling all the space is lightness. Which, wrote Italo Calvino, “is associated with precision and determination”.
Let’s start from the end: the holidays
“First the sea of Calabria, then the one of Sabaudia. Zero rest, with two small children, but a clear head. This crazy summer is long.”
The investiture as flag bearer and the fourth Olympics, this time as a mother.
“And everything that came before. The birth of the twins, becoming a top-level athlete again, the difficulties in everyday life. It was wonderful to share everything with my family.”
Let’s play the before and after game.
“The Olympics without the kids is a different thing. You turn off your brain while others organize your life and your only thought is to get on the platform. Afterwards… you are the one who has to organize for everyone, worry about a hundred things. But when I saw my children enter the Village, I was so excited.”
Unforeseen events?
“So many. Starting with the travel within Paris, difficult due to security measures, and then on the eve of the team competition my children got a fever. Well, the only regret is not having been able to see them on the days of the competition.”
A lesson learned in Paris?
“Living lightly. At 36 I didn’t want to be obsessed with the result anymore, and today I don’t think it would have been right either. Fencing is my life, but it’s not my whole life anymore. Of course I would have liked to win the gold in the individual, I miss it, but it’s not a competition that defines who I am.”
Many other athletes have changed their perspective.
“Everyone must live as they want. There is no right or wrong, everyone deserves respect and it is no longer possible to criticize from silver down. Many have written to me – like Antonella Palmisano – and have pointed out that if the bar has moved it was also thanks to my statements: I am happy and proud of it.”
On September 23rd we return to the Quirinale to return the flag: is the speech already ready?
“No, but this is a topic that will surely be addressed, also thanks to President Mattarella’s willingness to invite those who have come close to the podium. As for me, a tear will surely come out, a period that I will always carry within me will end.”
Is this the last great emotion?
“An Olympics is an incredible adrenaline rush. At the beginning you think you can’t do it, overwhelmed by a thousand sensations, but as soon as it’s over you want to do another one right away.”
Who is Los Angeles 2028?
“Colleagues and friends encourage me and it makes me very happy. As an athlete I would really like it, but my children are my priority, I don’t know how my life as a mother will change. I will think year after year and if the conditions are right I would like to be there”.
How has motherhood influenced Arianna Errigo’s performance as an Olympic fencer?
Table of Contents
Arianna Errigo: A Balancing Act of Motherhood, Olympic Glory, and Personal Growth
Italian fencer Arianna Errigo has been making waves in the fencing world for years, but her latest Olympic appearance has been a journey like no other. As a 36-year-old mother of twins, Errigo has navigated the challenges of balancing her athletic career with her new role as a parent. In this article, we’ll delve into Errigo’s inspiring story, exploring her experiences as an Olympic athlete, a mother, and an individual learning to prioritize and find lightness in the midst of frenzy.
A Holiday to Recharge
Errigo’s post-Olympic holiday plans involve spending time with her family by the seaside, first in Calabria and then in Sabaudia. Despite the chaos of traveling with two small children, Errigo is determined to maintain a clear head and enjoy this well-deserved break. As she puts it, “Zero rest, with two small children, but a clear head. This crazy summer is long” [[3]].
The Flag Bearer and Fourth Olympics
This year’s Olympic Games mark Errigo’s fourth appearance, but it’s her first as a mother. The experience has been vastly different from her previous Olympics, with Errigo now shouldering the responsibilities of caring for her twins, Mirea and Stefano. She reminisces about the birth of her twins, becoming a top-level athlete again, and the everyday challenges that come with motherhood [[3]].
Before and After: The Olympics as a Mother
Errigo reflects on the stark contrast between her Olympic experiences before and after becoming a mother. Without children, her focus was solely on the competition, with her life organized by others. Now, as a mother, she must juggle multiple responsibilities, worrying about a hundred things while trying to perform at her best [[3]].
Unforeseen Events and Regrets
Despite her best efforts, Errigo faced numerous unforeseen challenges during the Olympics, including difficult travel arrangements due to security measures and her children falling ill on the eve of the team competition. Her only regret is not being able to spend time with her children on the days of the competition [[3]].
A Lesson Learned in Paris
Errigo’s Olympic experience has taught her the importance of living lightly, without becoming obsessed with results. At 36, she has come to realize that fencing, although a vital part of her life, is no longer the sole defining factor of her identity. She cherishes the silver medal won with her foil teammates but acknowledges that there’s more to her life than just fencing [[3]].
A New Perspective on Athletics
Errigo’s shift in perspective is not unique to her. Many athletes have similarly reevaluated their priorities, recognizing that there is no right or wrong way to approach their careers. Errigo is proud to have played a role in this paradigm shift, inspiring others to adopt a more balanced approach to their athletic pursuits [[3]].
The Flag Returns to the Quirinale
On September 23rd, Errigo will return to the Quirinale to return the flag, an experience that will undoubtedly evoke strong emotions. While she hasn’t prepared a speech yet, she looks forward to addressing this topic, possibly with the support of President Mattarella, who has invited athletes who came close to the podium to share their stories [[3]].
Arianna Errigo: A Shining Example of Resilience and Adaptation
Arianna Errigo’s journey as an Olympic athlete, mother, and individual serves as a beacon of inspiration to us all. Her ability to adapt to new challenges, prioritize her well-being, and maintain a sense of perspective is a testament to her strength and resilience. As we look to the future, Errigo’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to reevaluate our priorities, find lightness in the chaos, and pursue our passions with determination and precision [[1]] [[2]].
About Arianna Errigo
Arianna Errigo is a 36-year-old Italian fencer, born on June 6, 1988, in Monza, Italy. She stands 1.80 meters tall and is a member of the Carabinieri Corps. Errigo has won medals in each color, including silver at the 2012 London Games, and has competed in four Olympics [[1]] [[3]].
The Evolution of Arianna Errigo: How Motherhood has Influenced her Performance as an Olympic Fencer
Arianna Errigo, the Italian fencing sensation, has just concluded her fourth Olympic Games in Paris, where she had the honor of carrying the Italian flag during the Opening Ceremony alongside Gianmarco Tamberi [1]. As a mother of two, Errigo shares her experiences and insights on how motherhood has impacted her performance as an Olympic athlete.
A Newfound Perspective
Errigo’s journey to the Paris Olympics was not without its challenges. She balanced her training with caring for her twin children, Mirea and Stefano, while also dealing with the pressure of competing at the highest level. Despite the obstacles, Errigo’s perspective on her sport has shifted since becoming a mother. “Fencing is my life, but it’s not my whole life anymore,” she stated [3]. This newfound balance has allowed her to approach competitions with a lighter mindset, focusing on precision and determination rather than being overwhelmed by the frenzy.
The Investiture as Flag Bearer
Errigo was thrilled to be chosen as one of Italy’s flag bearers, an experience she described as “wonderful” [3]. She cherished the opportunity to share this moment with her family, acknowledging the difficulties she faced in balancing her athletic and maternal responsibilities. The Olympic Games provided a platform for Errigo to showcase her athletic prowess while also highlighting her growth as a mother and individual.
Unforeseen Events and Lessons Learned
During the Paris Olympics, Errigo encountered several unforeseen events, including her children falling ill with a fever on the eve of the team competition [3]. Despite these challenges, she persevered, using her experiences to learn valuable lessons. One of the most significant takeaways was the importance of “living lightly” and not becoming too fixated on results. This newfound perspective has allowed her to approach her sport with a greater sense of clarity and purpose.
The Future of Arianna Errigo
As Errigo looks to the future, she is uncertain about her plans for the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 [3]. While she would love to participate, her priority remains her children, and she is hesitant to commit to another four-year cycle without considering the implications on her family life. Errigo’s decision will depend on her ability to balance her athletic ambitions with her maternal responsibilities, a testament to her growth as a multifaceted individual.
Conclusion
Arianna Errigo’s journey as a mother and Olympic fencer serves as an inspiration to others. Her experiences demonstrate that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to adapt, athletes can excel in their respective sports while also embracing new roles and responsibilities. As Errigo continues to navigate the world of fencing, her priorities will remain her children and her own personal growth, ensuring that she approaches each challenge with a sense of lightness and purpose.
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