Euro 2022 winner Alessia Russo on making history, inspiring a generation and that viral backheel goal.
There is something about the Olympics that can stir the soul. You look around, you feel the electricity, and you suddenly think, ‘I want to be a part of this’.
Of course, the most memorable moment of the London 2012 Olympics will be gold medal winner Mo Farah’s dramatic win in the 1500m. It brought tears to the eyes of many a person who has, quite simply, been through it all – first as a child in a London park then, as a professional athlete in the Olympic Stadium.
From the moment I heard Mo’s gold medal winning run, I was hooked. I wanted to be a part of that. I was 16 years old and I had the opportunity to be part of the team that won a gold medal. With this run, I realised that I didn’t want to be left out. This was a moment that I will never forget – I was hooked from that moment on.
I’ve been a fan of Mo Farah from the moment he started sprinting. I remember being in the front row and he was in a great mood, making jokes and having great rapport with people. His determination to represent our country at the Olympics and what he achieved, really inspired me.
Having the opportunity to interview Mo was a dream come true for me and, even more importantly, for millions of people around the globe, who were glued to their screens and knew that the London 2012 was their chance to be part of an historic day. I wanted to talk to this man who had captured hearts – Mo. He is a role model for all of us and I always wanted to take this moment and try to inspire a younger generation of people and give them a sporting legacy.
The Olympic Games are an incredible event, but they aren’t complete without the world’s best athletes taking part. For me, that was one of the main reasons I wanted to do this interview – to bring the incredible story of the first woman to win a gold medal in the 10,000m and 15,000m at the London 2012 Olympics to the attention of everyone who watched in awe.
“I want to give a vision to the younger generation – that there is a path to achieve anything – if you are willing to put in the
