Unlocking talent in sport: meet Larissa Iapichino

A charming smile, still that of a child combined with the constitution of a lioness: Larissa Iapichino is competitive in her DNA. We met her while training in her native Florence, a city she is as much in love with as she is with track and field. At 21 years of age, this talented athlete, following in her parents’ footsteps, is already third in the world ranking, Italian record holder in the indoor long jump with a measurement of 6.97 metres, European silver medallist and world record holder of the under 20 category. UniCredit has chosen her as its Ambassador, and to stand by her side in view of the upcoming European Athletics Championships, which will be held in Rome from 7 to 12 June.

UNLOCKING is the title of the video in which Larissa expresses herself and in which she tells us about the success she remembers most fondly (at only 14 years old!) and how lucky she was to have her mother as an idol: Fiona May, our lady of the long jump. An unwieldy presence? Far from it: “A great inspiration, with her jumps and strong personality”. Not forgetting her father Gianni, Larissa’s coach since June 2021, Italian pole vault record holder in 1994 and coach of her mother’s successes.

This is certainly a favourable context for the talented Italian athlete, who considers “the support of people close to her to be fundamental. When you do sport you need stability in the entourage”. A Fiamme Oro athlete, law student and fashion enthusiast, Larissa emphasises how sport is a school of life and, above all, of love: “You learn more from a hundred defeats than from one victory. Sport helps you never give up in the face of obstacles, but pushes you beyond your limits without ever losing sight of your goal. Finally, it teaches you to love, to be willing to do anything for what you care most about, in my case, for track and field, and to jump farther and farther”.

Looking forward to seeing her compete in Rome, Larissa greets us by reminding us that the first rule to improve oneself is to “have fun, keeping your head clear. Sometimes thinking too much is counter-productive”.

UniCredit supports the world of sport and shares the values that sport represents: team spirit, determination, respect for rules, inclusion.

Also watch the interview with Mattia Furlani, Italian long jump champion (and vice world champion) and UniCredit Ambassador.