Aiming to win made me a champion, says Galiazzo

Read the original article by Euronews reporter Hugo LOWELL.

Cutting a relaxed figure as he practised with the sports section of the Italian Air Force, the reigning Olympic champion revealed his key to success.

“I’ve always aimed to win, no matter the kind of game,” he said. “When I was a child, I thought I had to win every competition I took part in.”

“Even at the Olympic Games I kept acting as I’ve always done: I wanted to get on the top step of the podium.”

“This attitude brought me on the podium for three times at the Olympic Games, an event that doesn’t have to represent a dream, but a goal to achieve.”

Good Attitude

The gold at the London Games made it Galiazzo’s third Olympic medal to sit in his trophy cabinet beside his gold from Athens in 2004 and his silver from Beijing in 2008.

But Galiazzo still acknowledges the importance of remaining level headed regardless of the level of competition.

“I think my strength lays in my attitude. Keeping cool and calm in crucial moments, even during big international matches, made the difference,” Galiazzo said.

“It’s important to maintain this behaviour after a big victory, but also after great disappointments.”

And it is with this attitude Galiazzo intends to defend his title at the Rio 2016 Games, an Olympics he is especially looking forward to.

“As at the London Games and before at Athens, (the venues) for archery are always in historical and evocative settings.”

“Archery events in Rio will be hosted at the famous Sambodromo, the temple of Carnival of Rio de Janeiro. We are talking about a peculiar place, well-known by everyone.”

“I am sure it will add value to the archery competitions, which are really appealing already, both watched on TV or live from the field.”

Future Plans

As for his ideas about retirement, it appears that Galiazzo is still unsure although he is certain that he would like to remain in the sport.

“As long as I have incitements to train and compete at high level I will be an archer. Being in the sport team of the Italian Air Force it’s a privilege to me, because I am paid to practise the sport I love.”

“Of course, if I got an important job offer that could improve my economical condition, I would take it into consideration,” he added.

“What’s important is having something to do with sport.”