Ahead of the CMAS Euro-African spearfishing championship in Montenegro, which will take place from October 22 to 25, we interviewed Fabio Dessì, an athlete on the Italian FIPSAS national team. The Sardinian diver, making his first major international appearance as a starter, talks about his background and the experience he gained at the World Championships in Brazil and his ambitions for the upcoming international event.
Carlo Forni: Fabio, how old are you, and where were you born?
Fabio Dessì: I’m 39 years old and was born in Iglesias, Sardinia.
Carlo Forni: Where do you usually fish?
Fabio Dessì: I usually fish along the southwestern coast of Sardinia, particularly in the waters off Sant’Antioco, Carloforte, and Portoscuso.
Carlo Forni: What does it mean to you to take on this first major international experience as a starter? Was the experience you gained at the World Cup in Brazil helpful?
Fabio Dessì: The World Championship in Brazil opened the doors to a world I never could have imagined. The ocean really is a completely different environment! That experience made me realize I still had so much to learn and gave me the opportunity to grow right on the water, facing new and particularly challenging fishing conditions.
Carlo Forni: What do you expect to find in Montenegro, and what is your goal for this Euro-African Championship?
Fabio Dessì: I think it’s going to be a very challenging tournament. For me, this will be my first international experience as a starter, and I’ll have the responsibility of trying to take my country as far as possible. I know we’re a united and very well-prepared team: we’ll help and support each other.
Of course, I’m aiming for the podium, but I know that all the other athletes will be competing with the same goal in mind. So I’ll have to try to pick up on every clue the sea has to offer, so I can figure out the winning strategy.
Carlo Forni: What does it mean to you to represent the Italian national team and FIPSAS?
Fabio Dessì: Being a member of the national team and representing FIPSAS and my country is an immense honor. To be able to stand where the great champions of the past inspired us to dream is to see a dream come true. I hope to rise to the occasion and, in turn, to inspire enthusiasm and help the next generation dream.
Some neck pain he’s been experiencing lately is causing problems even in the water for the Sardinian superstar. Let’s hope that the treatments from the specialist who’s treating him will allow Fabio Dessì to be 100 percent ready in less than a month in Montenegro. Go, Fabio!
