Matteo Sartori is a young Italian rower who has been carving out his own path amidst the shadow of his father’s illustrious legacy. Born in Fondi, the son of Olympian Alessio Sartori, he stepped onto the international stage with an impressive victory at the Under-23 World Championships in Varese in 2022. It’s almost uncanny how the pressure to perform and the desire to surpass one’s predecessor can coexist within a person—one might argue that Matteo shoulders this burden with a certain ease that belies its weight.

His subsequent appearances have been marked by a steady rise in prowess; securing silver in the double sculls event at the European Championships in Bled 2023 and a commendable fourth-place finish at the recent Qualifying World Championships in Belgrade. Yet, there remains an undercurrent of uncertainty as he undertakes the formidable challenge of balancing sport and higher education—enrolled in criminology while training under the guidance of seasoned coaches at the Fiamme Gialle club.

One could imagine the quiet moments he spends away from the water, perhaps cycling or indulging in films, contemplating the dual nature of competition and learning. Was it worth it to chase Olympic dreams at such a young age? The reality of the Olympic experience at Paris 2024 looms large, one filled with both dread and anticipation, evident when he reflects on his recent performances.

Ultimately, Matteo is a tenacious young man, not merely defined by bloodlines but as one who seeks to leave his own mark. The road ahead is steep, lined with challenges yet also ripe with the possibility of achievement. As an athlete, he embodies the complex dance between legacy and individuality, hoping to craft a story of his own while inevitably intertwined with that of his father’s.