–
Aiming high in Tokyo: Raphaela Folie © FIPAV
The second official day of competition in Tokyo continues on Sunday. In addition to swimmer Stefano Ballo, volleyball player Raphaela Folie and her team embark on an Olympic adventure.
July 24, 2021
Author: no
For Raphaela Folie and her team, the Olympic Games begin early on Sunday morning. The Azzurre want to get off to the best possible start in the tournament in the opening match against Russia (2 a.m.). A victory in the first group game would be of great importance in the case of a quarter-finals, especially since a good position in the group can be synonymous with a theoretically easier opponent in the knockout round.
In the past, Russia has always proven to be an unpleasant opponent. You met three times at the Olympic Games. In 2000 in Sydney and 2012 in London, the Russians gave the Azzurre a defeat each, while in Beijing in 2008 the game went to Italy. In the course of last season, both teams dueled in the Nations League, where Russia won a 3-1 victory. In order to successfully start Mission Tokyo, Raphaela Folie and Co. have to overcome the ghosts of the past and put Russia in its place.
Stefano Ballo wants to imitate his colleagues
Furthermore, swimmer Stefano Ballo also starts the Olympic tournament. The Bozner will start on Sunday in freestyle over 200 meters. Over the same distance, the 28-year-old was already crowned Italian champion this year, and at the European Championships in Budapest he also took silver and bronze in the relay. Now Ballo wants to attack at his first Olympic Games.
He also keeps an eye on the results of his colleagues on Saturday: Gabriele Detti (400 meters freestyle), Alberto Razzetti and Ilaria Cusinato (both 400 meters medley) each qualified for the finals. For Stefano Ballo, the run-up starts at 12.22 p.m.
–
recommendations
–
