After Mennea, the town of Barletta has found a new idol in athletics. The 25-year-old grew up listening to the stories about Pietro told by her father, friend and often training partner of the famous athlete known as the ‘Freccia del Sud’. These stories of joy, sacrifice and determination led her to approach athletics at the age of 12 (after spending her childhood between dance classes and swimming). They formed her character and enabled her to overcome a series of injuries that have slowed down her career. Throughout 2015, her competitions were kept on hold but then she qualified for the Games in the 10,000 meter race. With a college diploma, she shares her passion for racing with her colleague, hurdler Eusebio Haliti. Her long term objective is running the Tokyo marathon in 2020, her short term objective is Rio 2016. Marathon runner or middle distance runner? It doesn’t matter. What’s important is to get to the finish before the others.