Pietro Sighel, the prominent figure in Italian short track speed skating, has stirred controversy with his recent remarks about teammate Arianna Fontana. Following the team’s gold medal win in the mixed relay, Sighel expressed his frustrations, emphasizing a divide within the national team.
Senti Sighel Questions Fontana’s Team Spirit
In an interview with La Repubblica, Sighel stated, “Arianna Fontana? Who knows her?” This remark has reignited old tensions between Fontana and the rest of the team. He pointed out that Fontana has trained abroad for the past eight years, which he believes impacts team dynamics.
Team Cohesion Under Scrutiny
- Sighel claims the team functions effectively only during races, saying, “We are united for mere minutes.”
- He praised his fellow teammates for their growth and teamwork in Fontana’s absence.
These comments relate back to lingering hostilities from 2019 when Fontana accused teammates Andrea Cassinelli and Tommaso Dotti of causing her to fall during a training session. This incident was formally addressed in 2024 when both athletes were acquitted by the Italian Winter Sports Federation’s tribunal.
Looking to the Future
In an attempt to navigate the controversy, Sighel expressed admiration for Valentino Rossi, stating his desire to elevate short track speed skating’s visibility in Italy. “My sport needs visibility; I want to bring it to Italian homes as Rossi did with motorcycles,” Sighel remarked.
His commitment to promoting the sport highlights his ambitions beyond the current discord. Sighel hopes to unite the team and foster a positive environment, even as debates about team dynamics and individual aspirations continue to unfold.
