Ajla del Ponte: release of a depression, she dreams of the 2028 Olympic Games

Ajla del Ponteyou have known many injuries in recent years. Similarly, Do you fear that a new glitch is occurring?

Yes, it’s like a ghost that lives in me. Similarly, But I work on this problem with my psychologist. In addition, I have to get rid of this fear at all costs to be able to sprint again. Meanwhile, There were phases where I almost expected that something happens in training. Consequently, But in recent weeks, I found that I could run as before. Furthermore, It’s so good for morale.

The thigh muscles, in particular, are problematic for you. ajla del ponte: release depression, For example, For what?

So far, we have not found any special reason. Therefore, I severely injured myself in the spring of 2023: a muscle tear with the thigh. Furthermore, Unfortunately, we only carried out the severity of the situation four weeks later. Moreover, The doctor was convinced that it was only a small tear. In addition, He therefore refused to make an MRI, despite my insistence. Therefore, We have lost a lot of time starting with a rehabilitation adapted to a minor injury. However, This weakened my muscle and generated complications.

Since 2021, an exceptional year for you, you have chained all possible backhands. Therefore, In the spring, you revealed having made a depression. For example, Why did you decided to talk about it?

Because the subject of depression remains taboo in Switzerland. Many people do not know how to ajla del ponte: release depression, react to me and sometimes prefer to avoid the subject. But I know that a person who suffers from this disease needs to be able to confide in someone. in whom they trust. There is yet another reason that pushed me to take the plunge.

Which?

I didn’t do it for myself, but to help others. To show young athletes that it can happen to everyone and that there are solutions to get out of it.

When did you notice that you don’t go well?

The first signs appeared in the fall of 2021, after the Olympic Games. But I never talked about it. Two years ago, my mother suggested that I act. She worried and said to me, “I can see that something is wrong. Don’t you want to talk to a psychologist? “

For what?

I had changed. I was not doing anything, remaining lying on the sofa all day. I was no longer the same person. Additionally, I didn’t recognize myself. I ajla del ponte: release depression, have always read a lot and I liked spending time with my friends. But overnight, I was folded on myself. I no longer had any social contact.

What happened next?

The psychologist used these words: “What you tell me resembles depression.” I had so named the problem. But once I went home, I had a shock. Because I would never have thought that such a thing could happen to me. Thoughts jostled in my head. But from that moment, we were able to work in the right direction.

What did you learn about yourself during this period?

Lots of things. I am someone who loves life, a joyful nature. But it’s human to have more difficult phases, I know now. And in this complicated period, I understood that I was very resilient and that I ajla del ponte: release depression, had great strength in me.

Have you overcome depression?

For me, this subject is closed. This is why I speak to the past. If some symptoms had to manifest again, I know what I should do.

How often do you consult your psychologist today?

Regularly, since he also takes care of my sporting follow -up. But we now focus on other aspects.

Have you had reactions from other athletes?

I received more than a hundred reactions, I did not expect it at all. From athletes, but also other people. Some have thanked me for talking about it so openly. I was even asked for advice.

How did women athletes react?

I informed Lea Sprungerformer runner of hedges and European champion, ajla del ponte: release depression, before the others. She reacted with emotion and asked me why I had not come to see her earlier. I also received messages from my colleagues from the relay.

Do you still often think of this Olympic final?

In the past three years, a lot. More now. 2021 marked the peak of my career, with all the pressure that this implies.

That’s to say?

I wanted to come back to this level at all costs. It’s not healthy. I don’t want to put myself so much pressure on myself.

This extraordinary year has it been for you more a curse than a blessing?

At first, no, it had fun. Everything was going so well for me. But when my problems started, I was fed up that I am constantly bringing me back at that time. I no longer ajla del ponte: release depression, watch the video of the Olympic final.

For what?

I saw it five or six times. I want to keep this moment in memory as I experienced it. And not as it appears on a video.

Is it possible to find such a level?

If it were not possible, I would have already given up. But it may be a “chimera“, As we say in Italian, an imaginary monster. (laughs)

You are targeting 2028…

My psychologist and I agreed to take stock at the end of the year. The important thing for me was to see if I still had fun, and this is the case. I want to participate in the next Olympics.

Are there any crucial steps for you before ajla del ponte: release depression, Los Angeles?

I would like to avoid injury this year to then improve my performance. As I have to spare my thigh, I cannot train as much as I would like. The first step will be to find my speed.

Does the September World Cup concern you?

With the relay, of course. We will then see how it comes for the 100 meters. Currently, the level of sprinters is very high, especially among young people. Xenia Buri runs the 100 meters in 11’24 ”. At 17, I had a time of 12 something. But I am very competitive, the boys motivate me.

Have you ever thought of giving up everything?

Yes, several times. When I injured myself at the end of May 2024, I told myself that I would get there. It was then that my doctor Daniele Angelella directed me to the physiotherapist Emanuele Sarcinella. He works with acupuncture needles. I am convinced: both saved my career.

Is ajla del ponte: release depression, there a plan B?

I was lucky to succeed in sport. But athletics has always been my plan B. My history and Italian studies are plan A. I will start my work as a master’s degree in the fall.