As mentioned in the A Cupful of Goodness article detailing the exciting line ups in the upcoming Stuttgart and Glasgow Cup events, Italian stalwart Vanessa Ferrari is set to compete again this year.  This is exciting news for the gymnast who finished the Olympic Games this year feeling bitterly disappointed.

Fans had been wondering what would become of Vanessa after yet another painful fourth-place finish in a floor final.  Many thought it might be the end for the gymnast who has been through all kinds of competitive ups and downs since being crowned the World Champion back in 2006.

It was good news then, when Ferrari’s name appeared on the World Cup rosters.  Rumour has it Ferrari has decided to compete because needs the money to get an apartment, but let’s hope she is tempted along a little longer than that.

This week an Italian interview with Vanessa appeared on You Tube.  In it, Vanessa discussed her health, her training, her thoughts on that floor tie-break and talked the possibility of Rio.  She also sported a new hairstyle!

Our Italian writer, Giulia Holzer has kindly translated the interview for us;

The translation

Interviewer: Here we are with Vanessa Ferrari a source of pride for the Italian sport. How are you and how is going the post Olympic training?

Vanessa: I returned to the gym not long ago. How am I? So so because all the pains I had before the Olympics just came back, but I’m quite well.

I: You have received a lot of solidarity after the outrageous injustice you have suffered at the Olympics. It has happened to other Italian athletes but yours was particularly outrageous because happened due a wrong rule.

V: This rule was done to avoid ties since with the old code (10 system) ties were really common. But with this new system ties are really uncommon and so I think this rule is no longer necessary. In fact there isn’t this rule at Worlds or Euros. And about the Russian deserved to win or not, I think everybody knows.

I: You are an idol for many little girls. Did this affection pushed you to continue?

V: It’s really cool that some girls watch me and decide to start gymnastics, I’m happy for this especially because they saw me while competing while there are some tv programs that show other parts of it, not as important.

I: What’s your goal?

V: Well now I want to train because I have two World cup meets at the end of the year. I hope everything will be good since my shoulder and tendon hurt, I want to resolve these two problems and to be ready for these two competitions.

I: What about Rio?

V: It’s far.

Why yes it is far, but I hope we will see her there!

By the way, while we are on the subject of the Italians- for those who missed it on Facebook, here is some video of Junior European Champion, Enus Mariani working some terrific complexities on bars.  This girl is only improving!

Translation: Giulia Holzer

Article: Brigid McCarthy

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