Italian hero Caironi returns from injury for Europeans

“I feel good now, not good enough to compete at a high level but we will see. After my injury I was scared about not being able to compete again, so now I’m trying to live day by day - but of course I want to expect something good – why not.”

Italy’s track and field star Martina Caironi returns from injury at the IPC Athletics European Championships, which start on Friday 10 June, determined to improve on the form that saw her sprint in to the history books last year.

The 26-year-old smashed the 15 second barrier at last year’s 100m T42 World Championship final, lowering her own world record mark by 0.4 seconds.

But an injury to her leg earlier this year meant Caironi was unable to wear her prosthetic for two months.

The Bologna-based Para athlete has only been able to train for the last four weeks, however her enforced absence from the track has made her even more focused on going faster.

“I really discovered the importance of running, how much I love it, how much I care for my career. I really discovered the pleasure to run again,” said Caironi.

“I can’t say it now because it’s early but of course my aim in Rio is to go below 14.61, and it will be great of course to set a new world record, but it’s too early to say if I’m ready or not.”

Last year was a pivotal year for Caironi – she set six world records in 2015, across the 100m, 200m and long jump T42 - and crucially, despite time out through injury – her mind set remains the same.

Explaining the reasons behind last year’s winning form, she said:

“I trained more than past years, and I felt relaxed. I didn’t feel the pressure of being the first in the world, I just ran as fast as I could and felt good with my body; I felt good with my mind and my coach and the [Italian] Federation - everything was good.

“This year is good too except for the injury, but I also have more motivation. I also have more will and desire to compete.”

Caironi will take on the 100m and the long jump in Grosseto and as one of the host nation’s leading Para athletes, she is keen to give the home crowds plenty to cheer about.

“This will be a test for me and I hope it will go well,” she explained. “It’s very important to have the European Championships in Italy, so I can’t miss it.

“I’ve invited people to come and watch and I’m sure some friends and family of mine will be there. It’s a major championship in my home country so I would like to do well and have a great competition, especially in the 100m.”

Caironi’s injury means she has only just begun jumping again for the first time since February, and she admits that although she may not be ready, “as usual I will do the best that I can,” adding:

“I feel good now, not good enough to compete at a high level but we will see. After my injury I was scared about not being able to compete again, so now I’m trying to live day by day - but of course I want to expect something good – why not.”

One competitor Caironi will have to get past in Grosseto is Vanessa Low. The German also improved on her 100m form last year, setting a new personal best at the World Championships to take silver. She also obliterated the long jump T42 world record, beating Caironi, who won the world title in 2013, to global gold with a massive leap of 4.79m.

“I’m glad to see her and to see her condition,” admitted Caironi.

“I’m quite sure that she will beat me in the long jump, but I want to beat her in the 100m - but you can never say – every competition is a new one and it depends on the conditions and your preparation, and mine has not been so good.”

Despite her pessimism, Caironi versus Low should still be one of the great Para athletic battle of 2016 – and it starts in Grosseto.

More than 600 athletes from 36 countries will be in Grosseto for the 2016 IPC Athletics European Championships which take place between 10-16 June. Athletes will contest over 171 medal events at the Carlo Zecchni Stadium and every minute of live action, together with live results, will be available at the event website.