After gold, student athlete swimmer Martina Mach speaks

  • 12 April 2022

Martina Mach, a Luiss student, won the gold medal in the last University Finswimming World Championships in the 400-meter freestyle. A great result for the Luiss flag bearer of the event! Mach told her story to Uno contro Uno on Radio Luiss.

Martina a beautiful medal, your emotions?
“I’m very satisfied with the victory, it was a good race: I didn’t feel the pressure to win a medal at all costs and I improved my personal time. It must be said that I was also lucky enough to be competing in the middle lane, therefore in a favorable condition to win”.
Beyond the great personal satisfaction, what was the experience of the World University Championships?
Despite the responsibility of competing at home, I had the opportunity to represent Italy and my University at the World Swimming Championships and to stand on the top step of the podium.
Did you make new acquaintances?
“Of course. I think this type of competition is a great opportunity to meet and forge bonds with people from all over the world: it’s really true that sport unites everyone.”
Your specialty is singular, considering the use of fins: how come this choice?
“The thing I prefer most about my specialty, finswimming, is the speed of the movement that is generated with the help of fins, compared to traditional swimming.”
How did your history with Luiss come about?
“After finishing high school I was looking for a university that would allow me to reconcile study and sport, and in Luiss I found the ideal environment in which to pursue sports and university commitments at the same time. It’s not always easy, but with tenacity and dedication the results have arrived.