Racism still exists in Italy and
authorities must launch a consciousness raising drive about it,
Italian volleyball Olympic gold medallist Paola Egonu said on
Italian TV Sunday night.
Egonu, 26, born at Cittadella near Padua to Nigerian parents,
was the standout for the Azzurre in their historic win in Paris,
top scoring in the final against reigning champions USA to be
named MVP.
Speaking to host Fabio Fazio on Che Tempo Che Fa, she said the
Paris win, to which other second-generation immigrant players
made a significant contribution, was "a symbol of union.
"I have the honour of being an athlete, privileged, but I know
that racism still exists.
"Since I was little my parents always told me that I should work
twice as hard, it has accompanied me throughout my life.
"In the past I stopped talking about it, but I believe it is
very important to raise awareness on this issue.
"The new generations do not perceive diversity as an enemy and I
hope that having managed to bring home the gold medal with the
national team can make people understand that unity wins".
Returning to the sporting feat in Paris, which the group called
'The Baguette Tournament', Egonu underlined how it was "the
fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
"With my teammates we wrote history, it's the dream you've had
since you were a child and that pushes you to go forward. I
almost can't believe it".
Speaking of coach Julio Velasco, she described how he was able
to "talk to me as Paola, because behind Egonu there is a
26-year-old girl with so many emotions, who felt the
responsibility of helping the team reach that goal.
"He took away responsibilities from me, he made me play freely,
serenely and carefree. While with the team he managed to create
that harmony that had been lost, leading us to fight all
together for a goal", she concluded.
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