How did you get involved?
As a child I used to do cross-country, running and swimming. But when I was 14 my swimming club went bust so I had to change to athletics – I did long jump at school and did well in it, so I went to my neighbour, an athletics coach, and said “”Can I do long jump please?” and he said “Sure, come along!”
Do you want to be a professional athlete?
I had a gap year last year and it was to see if I wanted to become a professional athlete and it didn’t work out, so I just said “No, I’m going to university!”
Who have you represented?
From next week I’ll be representing York and then I’ll be at the BUCS championships in February. I’ve represented Italy in the European championships when I won the long jump, with a personal best of 6m 10cm in 2009. I won the Italian championships in 2010 for heptathlon and long jump and came third in the U23 championships.
How do you feel when you go out to represent your country?
It’s nerve-wracking but amazing. Sometimes when you’re competing you don’t think about it. Often, when I go and watch my friends, I go crazy – I can’t sit down!
Hardest moment?
Well, I had injuries last year – back problems, which are now solved. I have one leg which is longer than the other, which can cause problems when I run on it a lot!
Which event in the heptathlon do you struggle with the most?
Javelin. I can’t do it! I really can’t!
What’s your training plan?
It varies as the season progresses, but I train most days with a break on Mondays. Tuesdays and Fridays I go to the gym and do weight training, endurance on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and every Wednesday I go to Huntington for technique.
Do you have any special dietary requirements?
[laughs] No. Not really! I’m very fond of food!
Who is your sporting hero?
At the moment, Jess Ennis – I love what she does, and she seems as though she has superpowers! (Vision found out after that Sara’s PB is only 19 cms less than Jessica’s!)
What’s your five year plan?
Not a five year, but a two year plan! 2013 is the European U23 Championships, and it’s my dream to compete.
Why isn’t it such a big sport on campus? For instance, UYAC doesn’t have a coach.
People who are very keen on athletics, who have the choice, won’t choose York. There aren’t many facilities for us – the track is not a proper track! We don’t compete in Roses and Varsity. I was nearly put off when I saw the facilities but it was so good for everything else that I came regardless.
Who’s better, England or Italy? Will you ever compete for England?
I feel more Italian than British even though, as a general team, England is much better.
GRANDE BB