Winning a victory for an athlete is anything but a simple task. Reconfirming is even more so. But Marcello Guidi has solid experience on his side which allowed him, last night, to win the Italian Absolute title over the 5 km long course at the Stadio del Nuoto in Riccione, repeating last year's success.
A new Italian title for the bearer of the Fiamme Oro-Rari Nantes Cagliari who with a time of 52'20''33 imposed himself on Matteo Diodato (Livorno Aquatics), second in 52'34''68, and on Giuseppe Ilario ( Fiamme Oro) third in 52'53''46. A remarkable test of tactical intelligence for Guidi: he swims without letting himself be carried away in lane 4, next to him in lane 5 Diodato immediately presses on the accelerator and gains four seconds in the first 1500m. race they swim side by side with passage in 26'07'', then from that moment onwards Guidi gains precious seconds which increase from pool to pool, up to abundantly exceeding ten seconds, a conspicuous margin that allows him to control a stubborn Diodato who, despite an attack race, fails to excel. At the end of the race, the cross-country skier from Cagliari takes stock of his performance, without indulging in easy enthusiasm. « A gold medal is always a great joy but one must never be satisfied».
Guidi, a new Italian Absolute title on the 5 km long course after a year. Were you expecting it?
«Honestly no, the parterre was very fierce and Diodato's match fully demonstrates it. However, I set out with the goal of winning, I wanted to win the gold medal and everything went for the best».
What race was yours?
«A race in progress, I started a little slower than the others so as to carefully manage the energy available. I knew that after half the race, it would be time for me to increase the pace and so I did».
Compared to last year's victory, what differences have there been?
«They were two different victories because they were the result of two different moments in my competitive career. In 2022, I arrived at this appointment with a preparation more focused on this type of shorter races, while this year the goal is the longer races in open water, so I didn't know how my body would react».
Speaking of changes, his new coach is Ivan Sacchi.
«Exactly, a very competent technician with whom we have been working intensely since last September. We haven't introduced major changes, basically the mileage has remained the same and remains quite high i.e. around 90km per week between the Acqua Acetosa pool and Club Nomentano in Rome. In the morning, generally, we swim in the long pool and in the evening in the short pool. My training partner Alessio Occhipinti is also with me».
You also came off third place in Eilat in the Len Cup.
«Yes, on 18 March in Eilat in Israel I finished third in the 10 km open water race, also in this case setting up a reasoned test without overdoing it which allowed me to finish third, very close to the winner Marc Antoine Olivier and the runner-up Dominic Acerenza».
Careful racing conduct is one of his trademarks. How does the psychological aspect affect?
«A lot, I believe that the mind does 75% of the work of any sportsman. Mental capacity absolutely cannot be underestimated, it must be trained over the years and can prove to be a winning weapon».
Between pool races and sea races where do you feel more at ease?
«Certainly in sea races, they are the context I love the most. They excite me a lot, because you feel the competition more and direct confrontation with your opponents plays a decisive role».
Will he compete again in these Absolute Tricolors in the long course?
«Yes, on Monday I'll do the 1500m. For me it's a very fast and passing race where I'll try, however, to give my best and improve my personal level».
What will be the open water trials he will compete in?
«I will most likely compete on May 8 in the World Cup in Soma Bay in Egypt and, again on the occasion of the World Cup, in front of my home crowd on May 20 in Sardinia in Golfo Aranci: it will be a great emotion».
