Italian sprinting talent Kelly Doualla revealed a quirky pre-race ritual involving her mother and hair styling, while reflecting on a youth that nearly steered her toward a very different path on the football pitch, according to coverage published by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
A Mother’s Touch Before the Starting Blocks
For rising Italian sprinting star Kelly Doualla, the key to competition success is far more domestic. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Doualla shared a strict personal rule regarding her preparations: if her mother does not style her hair, she simply does not race.
The unusual superstition highlights the tight-knit support system behind the young athlete as she navigates the pressures of international competition.
From the Football Pitch to the Sprint Track
Things could have turned out very differently for the Italian speedster. Before athletics captured her complete focus, Doualla spent considerable time considering a future in soccer. In her conversation with La Gazzetta dello Sport, she admitted that she could easily have become a female footballer instead of a track sprinter.
Ultimately, the track won out over the grass pitch.
A Golden Era for Italian Youth Athletics
Recent international and domestic meets have showcased a remarkable generation of athletes rewriting record books and capturing global titles.
At the recent World Under-20 Championships, the Italian team delivered standout performances that energized the sport nationwide. Among the historical highlights was Valentina Valensin, whose blistering anchor leg propelled the Italian squad to a record-breaking gold medal in the 4×100-meter relay, sending her hometown of Bergamo into a celebratory frenzy, as detailed by reports from L’Eco di Bergamo and the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL).
The historic night for Italian track also featured Daniele Inzoli claiming the gold medal in the men’s long jump at the Under-20 global showcase, an achievement highlighted by the Corriere della Sera. In total, the Azzurri secured three gold medals in a single day of competition at the international championships, according to RaiNews coverage.
Looking Ahead to Upcoming Competitions
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