Pia Lionetti: Be brave, conquer your goals

Want to see inside the mind of an international archery athlete? We’ll be asking some of the world’s best for advice, expertise and an idea of their approach to the sport. 

This time, 30-year old two-time Olympian Pia Lionetti answers our questions…

1. What makes the perfect archer?

A great archer is strong in his mind and has trust in his technique.

2. YOUR ADVICE TO BEGINNER ARCHERS

Be determinated and have a lot of patience, because improving needs time. This is a wonderful sport and the first goal is to have a fun!

3. TRAINING VerSus COMPETITION

During the training, you can do wrong and work on that, using a lot of energy day after day in order to reduce or never do it again.

Competition is different. Making an error is frustrating because you can learn something only at the end. Then you have to wait until the next competition to try and make it better.

4. WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING BACK TO YOUR BOW?

The passion! Sometimes this sport gives me disappointments… but I love to shoot and I can't imagine my life without a bow.

I'm very competitive, and sport without competition is not complete for me.

5. HOW DO YOU GET RE-ENERGISED?

At home I play with my sweet dog Athena. She helps me look at the world with positive and new energy. 

6. Who’s your favourite person to shoot with?

Naturally my husband Sergio Pagni, because he is a very strong athlete. I always try to win a match against him but it's so hard for a recurve against a compound. He teaches me a lot about how I can be stronger in my mind.

7. Your TOP NUTRITIONal TIP?

The mediterranean diet, absolutely. It's very healthy.

8. What's your mental secret?

I think there are no secrets… what exists is training hard the mind and the body. Have a goal and be brave to conquer it; accept the mistakes and go your way.

World Archery’s International Archer Q&A series spotlights some of the sport’s best athletes. Got a question to ask? Contact us via @worldarchery on Twitter.