by MK
Every Saturday, we’re spotlighting local remarkable females who could change the way we look at the world. This Saturday is Federica Macrì’s turn, Olympic gymnast, Italian National team representative for many years, winner of trophies and a professional coach with stoic discipline, always keeping her eyes on the prize.
Are you a Triestina?
Yes, I was born and raised in Trieste. I’ve always loved my city and carried proudly its flag in the world competitions. It’s not a well known city and representing it around the world at the international competition always made me feel happy.
And Triestini?
They like to gossip a lot. Trieste has a small city mentality, and people here judge you easily, whether for how you dress or what you do. But the city itself is magnificent, where you can have a truly good life with a high quality of life.
Do you like to travel?
Absolutely. And the thing I like about traveling is seeing what works best in other places and bringing it back home to Trieste. For example, in Milan everyone works out outside. So I started taking my kids to Porto Vecchio to do gymnastics outside. It’s a game changer.
How did you get into gymnastics?
My aunt and uncle are gymnastic coaches. When I was 3 years old, my parents signed me up for their classes and the rest is history.
When did you know you were actually good at this sport?
Around 8 when I won my first competition. When you’re a kid, you do this for fun. It’s when you start winning that things get serious.
What’s was the most proud moment in your career?
In January of 2008, 6 months before I was supposed to go to the Olympic games, I sprained my Achilles nerve. It was o painful I could barely walk. Everyone told me I would never get back into the game on time. But I went to physical therapy 6 hours per day, every day and proved them wrong. I felt great and won the bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics.
That’s amazing. You must have a really strong character.
I do. I dedicated my whole life to this sport and during my life-long career I saw many great talents fall out because they didn’t have enough dedication and tenacity to keep up with the daily trainings and the many challenges we face as professional athletes.
Did you have to have sacrificed a lot to get to this level in your gymnastics career?
When you are a teenager and during summer your friends are out having fun in Barcola and you’re in the gym for 8 hours straight also during the weekend – it’s tough. However, I have to say I’m really lucky. I’ve always had a good support system (which is essential in doing what I do). My teachers at school would always warn me before exams so I could prepare in time (because, as you can imagine, after the gym I would get around to doing homework around 9 pm), and my friends always supported my life choices.
It must be hard to have a personal life, too.
Again I was lucky as my partners have always been athletes and they understood the zealous dedication it took to get to where I wanted to be.
Are you still competing?
No, when I turned 30 a couple of years ago I decided to stop. Your body just doesn’t have the same agility. And I started coaching, from kids to teenagers. I love my kiddies, and I love seeing myself in them.
It must rewarding.
It is. You experience the sport from the other side and it’s awesome- you can really learn a lot from kidsa. Also, during pandemics, I started collaborating with the famous Buddyfit app, where I am a personal trainer. Thanks to it, I have met many celebrities and I go to Milan twice a month for live classes. I really enjoy it.
Future plans?
Keep doing what I love doing.
You can learn more about Federica by visiting her website.
