He trains on the water every day, manages his schoolwork and sport with discipline, and will be sitting his A-levels in June. Francesco Z., a Year 12 student at the Liceo Europeo Quadriennale, has won the Italian U19 rowing title in the coxed four. We asked him to tell us how he manages to juggle it all, both in and out of the boat (and the classroom).
I am very proud and happy with this result. Winning the Italian title in the coxed four has been the realisation of a dream I have built up through many sacrifices, made together with my teammates, my coaches and my family. My school has also given me tremendous support in getting me this far.
How and when did you start rowing?
I started six years ago, because it’s a sport that many members of my mother’s side of the family have taken up. From the moment I tried it, I was immediately struck by the feeling of being on the water and seeing the city from a completely different perspective. I decided to carry on, and it has become a real passion that’s part of who I am.
How do you manage to balance school with practising sport at this level, especially this year as you’re sitting your A-levels?
It’s not easy to balance study and sport: rowing requires many hours of training, consistency and discipline. The key is organisation — always studying in your spare moments and never leaving any gaps. This year, with my A-levels, it will certainly be more demanding, especially in June. But thanks to what I’ve learnt over the years, I’m sure I’ll be able to manage everything.
Sport has taught me perseverance and discipline, two essential qualities in everyday life. School, on the other hand, has taught me to stay focused and to always be determined — qualities that I put into practice every day in training and in competitions.
Do you have anything you’d like to say to your schoolmates?
I want to encourage everyone to pursue their passions, whether in sport or elsewhere. And not to give up when faced with difficulties: that’s what I did, and that’s what has brought me this far.