Winning a Olympic gold medal at the age of 23 is probably the secret ambition of every athlete. Being 34 and trying for a new one is more than a simple dream – it’s a sign of greatness.
Simone Raineri was born near Cremona, Lombardy, in 1977. In fact, he was quite a precocious boy: following in his father’s footsteps, Simone ran his first rowing races when he was just a child. Soon, he picked out his ideal competition: quadruple sculls – that is to say, four man on the same boat.
His competitive career could be described in a few words: he begun winning – and he’s still doing it. In 2000, he was in Sydney, where he took part to the Games of the XXVII Olympiad. It was a great triumph: during the final race, Simone and his companions beated the Dutch team and got the first place.
In 2001 and 2002, Simone raced in the World Rowing Championships: he won two bronze medals.
After getting the 10th place in the Games of Athens, in 2008 he went to Beijing and conquered the silver medal. Two years after, in Cambridge, he took part for the umpteenth time to the World Rowing Championships: he caught a new medal – another silver one. Now, in 2012, he’s more than a kid – but he has no intention to surrender. He’s going to London, and here’s his own target: a new gold medal – eleven years after.
Simone, are you ready for London?
Well, I’m really determined to do the best. I know the path is full of hurdles, but I’ll clear them.
Your coach is Franco Cattaneo. What about him?
My professional relationship with Franco is excellent. He has worked with us for a long time – and he’s still doing it. He’s a great person and I’m totally in tune with him. Here’s the truth. Sometimes, being a coach, he can be quite twisted. But you know – every coach is always twisted (he laughs).
You’re a rower, but you also like skiing, snowboarding and doing athletics. If you were not a oarsman, what would you have been?
Probably, I would have practiced one of the sports you named above. But I also love cycling: so, I don’t know. It would have been a difficult choice. I love sport, that’s for sure. I decided to become a rower when I was just a child, as you know. It was because of my father, Pietro Raineri: he was a rower too, and he became my first coach.
When did you say: “Ok, here’s my job, I’ll be a rower”? Is there a precise moment?
Well, obviously not. I took the decision when I was really young, but there is not a precise date. As I said, I was very lucky: my daddy was a rower; I run my first races when I was a child -and I won them. That’s important, because when you win a race – and above all when you’re a baby sportsman – all what you want to do is running a new one. So, race after race, win after win, you become a pro athlete – your passion become your job.
Do you have any regret?
Yes, sure. Like everybody else. I registered at university two times: first time in 1998, faculty of Natural Sciences. Then, four years ago, in 2008 – faculty of Motor Sciences. But it didn’t work: I had to run my races, I had no time to study. It’s a pity, I know – but it’s my life…
Imagine I’m a young rower. What would you suggest me to do?
Enjoy your sport, because sport is passion: here’s the first rule. So, have fun. I you don’t love what you’re doing, then you’ll never win a race! That’s what I do suggest.
Do you believe in bad luck?
Yes, I do. When I win a medal, for example, I pay attention to the clothes I wore before the race. Before the next race, I’ll wear the same clothes.
How do you spend your free time?
I love traveling. I travel by motorbike, all around Europe. I love exploring new countries with my girlfirend.
What’s the last thing you look at on a girl?
Every girl has something pretty – no matter what! Speaking about girls, I can say there’s nothing I don’t like. I’m sorry…
Your favourite quotation?
“Live and let live”. But I don’t like quotations.
Do you like politics?
Not at all. I don’t find it interesting…
What about the social networks? Do you like Facebook?
I did, in fact. When I discovered Facebook, some time ago, I said: “Wow, what a great job”. But it was like a drug – it was a terrible temptation. I spent a lot of time on Facebook. When I realised this fact, finally I shut down my account!
One day, you’ll retire. Then, what would you like to do? What about working for the Italian Canoe Federation? You might become a sports manager…
That’s what I’d like to do! I’d like to become a sports manager, or a federal coach – why not? I love this world, so it would be hard for me to abandon the field and try to work in a new environment. But now, I don’t care: what will be, will be. Let’s talk about London!
You’re right! What about your target?
I’d like a new gold medal. And I’ll catch it!