Fresh from claiming the first senior international gold medal of his career, Italian Canoe Slalom rising star Xabier Ferrazzi is quickly establishing himself as one of the sport's talents to watch.
Following his breakthrough victory in the men's kayak at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup in Tacen, Slovenia, Ferrazzi sat down with the ICF to reflect on his success and reveal more about the person behind the paddle.
What age did you start paddling?
“I started at around three or four as both my parents were paddlers. I did a lot of different sports like football and judo. When I was around 12, I started doing only kayaking. So, I was paddling for fun when I was younger, but then I took it more seriously as I got older.”
Do you have any idols in the sport?
“For me, Jiri Prskavec because when I was 10 he was winning everything, so he inspired me a lot. But also, my teammate, Giovanni De Gennaro. He’s teaching me and showing me how it’s done.”
Have you had to overcome any challenges to get to where you are now?
“The most difficult part was the mental part. To not overthink or go to fast into the final runs. This weekend it worked, but maybe it’s not going to work every weekend.”
Do you have any pre-race superstitions or rituals that you do?
“I like to wear the same clothes for the final run that I wore in the heats. It makes me feel good. I wear the same lifejacket, the same everything, it’s always like that.”
What are your biggest ambitions for the future?
“The big dream is to go to LA28. But I know it’s going to be a really hard battle with the other nations and with my own. With Giovanni [De Gennaro] and the other guys. But I’m dreaming of the Olympics, and that’s the big goal.”
Photo credit: Igor Kupljenik
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