BOLOGNA, Italy – Pluricampionessa italiana di karate Vanessa Villa recently spoke about the importance of self-respect and the values inherent in sport, emphasizing that an athlete’s worth extends far beyond wins and losses. Villa shared her insights during a discussion at the Liceo Scientifico e delle Scienze Umane Sabin in Bologna, as part of the new edition of Sky Up The Edit, an event connecting students across Italy with prominent figures in sports and media.
The event, held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, featured over 100 students in attendance and more than 100 classes participating remotely. Alongside Villa, Italy’s Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, and Sky Sport Vice Director Guido Meda participated in the dialogue, moderated by Sarah Varetto, EVP Communications, Inclusion & Bigger Picture at Sky Italia.
Villa’s journey began at age seven, where she first learned the importance of respect – for opponents, instructors, and even the training space itself. However, she explained that true respect blossomed with the addition of yoga and meditation to her training regimen, leading to a deeper understanding of self-respect. “Before, I didn’t know it. I was very harsh, very judgmental towards myself,” Villa explained. “Here’s because I am a perfectionist and always wanted the best from myself. I always achieved it, but with great sacrifice and at a great cost, especially to my mental health. I wasn’t well when I was so hard on myself, when I was merciless.”
This struggle with self-criticism is a common theme among high-performing athletes, who often push themselves to extreme limits in pursuit of excellence. Villa’s experience highlights the potential downsides of relentless self-demand and the importance of cultivating a more compassionate inner dialogue. Learning to accept herself, to practice self-love, and to recognize her inherent worth – regardless of results – proved transformative.
The core message Villa conveyed centered on separating self-worth from athletic achievement. “The final goal is always victory, but you must remember that you do not depend on that victory, that your intrinsic value is not the victory itself. You are worth the same even if you don’t win,” she stated. This internal awareness, she believes, translates to performance, allowing athletes to compete from a place of freedom rather than fear of failure.
Villa pointed to the example of Italian skier Federica Brignone, noting that Brignone’s dedication stemmed from a love of the sport itself, not solely from a desire for results. “All the sacrifices she made, she made not for the result, but for the love of her sport,” Villa observed. This intrinsic motivation, she argues, is a key component of sustained success and overall well-being.
The discussion at the Liceo Sabin underscores a growing awareness within the sports world of the importance of mental health and holistic athlete development. Traditionally, the focus has been heavily weighted towards physical training and competitive outcomes. However, increasingly, coaches, trainers, and athletes themselves are recognizing the crucial role that mental and emotional well-being plays in performance and long-term fulfillment.
The principles Villa discussed – self-respect, intrinsic motivation, and detaching self-worth from outcomes – aren’t limited to elite athletes. They offer valuable lessons for anyone striving for goals in any field. The ability to approach challenges with self-compassion, to discover joy in the process, and to define success on one’s own terms can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
The Sky Up The Edit event continues its series of discussions across Italy, aiming to engage young people in conversations about important social and cultural themes through the lens of sport. Further events are scheduled throughout the spring, with details available on the Sky Sport website.
Next up for Villa is a series of workshops focused on mindfulness and mental resilience for young athletes, scheduled to begin in April. Fans can follow her work and insights on her social media channels for updates.
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