Journey of Triumph: Daniela Sabatini's Odyssey in Masters Swimming
Swimming, often regarded as a lifelong skill, becomes a passion for some and a relentless pursuit of excellence for others. Daniela Sabatini, the Italian Masters World Champion, is the embodiment of dedication and triumph in the world of masters swimming.
In this exclusive interview, Daniela takes us through her remarkable journey, from the early days of swimming lessons to standing atop the podium at the recent World Masters Championships.
The Genesis of a Swimmer
Daniela's journey commenced at the tender age of 6 when she began swimming lessons. By 8, she had already been selected for her club's competitive team, setting the stage for her future exploits. However, life took her away from competitive swimming at 19. It wasn't until the age of 35, after a 15-year hiatus, that she rediscovered her passion for the sport.
Masters Swimming Unveiled
The decision to transition to masters swimming came after a humbling experience at the lake with friends. “I started swimming again at 35 after some friends of mine took me swimming at the lake, we had to do 3 km and I hadn't swum for 15 years... I thought I'd beat them all but obviously without training I took a beating and came in last”. Daniela decided to resume her swimming and It took her 10 years to achieve excellent results, gradually increasing her training and looking for a coach at the age of 45. Since 2013, she has been a stalwart participant in regional, Italian, European, and World Championships, carving her niche in the masters swimming scene.
A Glimpse into Daniela's Training Routine
Training for Daniela is a daily commitment. “I swim 6 days in the pool and on Sundays in the summer I swim in the lake…. I train for about 1.5 hours each day and the programming changes depending on the time of year and the race goal”.
“The week before the race, I start unloading. I swim 5 km a day with the previous week going from 4.5 to 3 km approximately, where there are threshold and speed reminders”.
Daniela outlines her overall program, “It always depends on the time of year. At the beginning of the season I do resistance and threshold training, then I reduce the resistance a lot to do anaerobic power. The speed is always there. In the preparation period for the race, I work a lot on VO2 max”.
Strength and Conditioning: A Changing Landscape
Daniela has not done much land based strength and conditioning since returning to swimming 20 years ago, but she now emphasises the importance of S&C as she admits to a shift in focus due to ageing muscles. Incorporating dry-land training after years of swimming-only workouts has become a necessity to maintain peak physical condition.
Masters Swimming in Italy: A Growing Community
Italy's masters swimming community has witnessed a surge in participants, with many drawn by a passion for swimming. There are a “few young people and many between 40 and 60 years old. The number of open water athletes has increased dramatically in recent years. The number in the pool has also grown compared to 15 years ago”.
The prevalence of open water events and the abundance of picturesque training locales provide both challenges and advantages for Italian masters swimmers.
A Triumph in Japan: Unveiling Daniela's World Championship Experience
Daniela's recent success in the World Masters Championships in Japan stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication. She was successful in the winning the 200 and 400 freestyle and the 3km open water event. Beyond the medals, the experience allowed her to delve into Japanese culture, adding a unique layer to her swimming odyssey.
She says, “The most interesting experience of these World Championships was getting to know Japanese culture and visiting (different areas of) Japan. A world and culture quite different from ours. It thrilled me! The races went well and as always they gave me the chance to meet new people. I really enjoy swimming in these beautiful pools. It's impressive to go into pre-call and try to guess the nationality of your opponents……then entering the pool floor I get excited to race. In the race, knowing little about the opponents, changes the tactics a bit”.
Winning a world title is undoubtedly an extraordinary achievement, but for Daniela, the joy extends beyond personal triumph. The support of her Italian companions and the pride of representing Italy on the global stage make the victories even more special. Being the bearer of the Italian flag at international events brings immense pride to Daniela. The camaraderie with fellow Italian swimmers, the support network, and the cheers echoing "from Italy" during award ceremonies make the experience truly special.
Daniela after her victorious win in the Open Water 3km in Fukuoka World Championships 2023
Reflecting on Memorable Moments
From unexpected victories to strategic triumphs, Daniela reminisces about races that left an indelible mark on her journey. “At the world championships in Budapest in open water, my opponent (stronger than me in the pool) was not expert and at the last turning mark (where we were still paired) she completely took the wrong direction and I won”.
“In Fukuoka I beat my very strong opponent in the 400m freestyle in the last lap. I was excited because I was able to concentrate and tried to change pace after being behind the whole race”.
Whether conquering the open water or executing a dreamt-of tactic in the 400 freestyle, each event contributes to the mosaic of her swimming narrative.
Mastering the Mental Game
The intense competitive atmosphere at world championships necessitates a strong mental game. Daniela's approach to handling the mental and emotional aspects has evolved over the years, emphasizing the importance of balance and adaptability.
Overcoming Challenges: A Constant in Daniela's Path
Encountering obstacles is par for the course in any athlete's journey. For Daniela, managing the unknowns in open water races requires a different set of skills. Adapting to the challenges she faces has become an integral part of her strategy.
“I didn't prepare for the first world championship (Budapest 2017) because 10 days before the world championships I participated in the Capri-Naples 36 km open water race, so I went to the world championships not prepared for very short distances, I did the 3 km (which I still won) and the 800 freestyle where I came third”.
“I arrived at the 2019 world championships in South Korea after almost two months of stopping due to a shoulder injury (I only trained with my legs and one arm). In fact I got worse but I still came second in the open water, in the 200 and third in the 400. At the world championships in Japan I trained more seriously...”
16. Life Lessons and Personal Growth
Beyond the medals and accolades, Daniela has gained significant life lessons from her journey as a masters swimmer. The mantra of never giving up, setting goals, and fully embracing daily life resonates with her, providing a holistic approach to personal growth.
Deep Dive Questions
What is your favourite pool you've ever swum in? I liked the swimming pool in Fukuoka (Marine Messe). But the swimming pool in Rome (both outdoor and indoor) are truly special.
What is your favourite training exercise? Threshold work. My ideal training speed.
Favourite main training set? 20 x 100 in B1.
Favourite pre-race meal? White pasta.
Swimmer, past or present, who do you admire most? Federica Pellegrini certainly, for the results and the strength to come back after falls
Conclusion
In the world of masters swimming, Daniela Sabatini's story stands as a testament to resilience, passion, and the enduring spirit of a competitor. As she continues to chase new goals, her journey inspires not just within the lanes of the pool but as a metaphor for life's challenges and triumphs.