Not everyone knows what they want to be when they grow up nor will they stick to their goal, but Aurora Tognetti did - she always wanted to become a professional athlete. What started as an outlet of energy for an active child became her sport and her job - pentathlon. In this interview Aurora shares the discipline it takes to train for World Championships, her love for the sport and the ultimate dream: to make it to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics!
Tell us about yourself!
Hello everyone, my name is Aurora Tognetti and I am from the Italian Olympic national team in modern pentathlon. I have been practicing my sport since I was a child, and it has always been my dream to become a professional athlete—and I must say it is even more beautiful than I had imagined! I love competition, but above all I love traveling around the world and getting to know new people and different cultures. I am a two-time Youth World Champion, won a bronze medal in the mixed relay at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, and achieved many successes at youth level. My most prestigious results came last season with an individual senior World Championship bronze medal and the senior World Championship team title. I have a sister who has allowed me to have the most beautiful job in the world: being an aunt! I also have two parents and four grandparents who have supported me, encouraged me, and loved me my entire life.
What is the role of sport & exercise in your life?
Sport is fundamental to me because, in addition to having become my job, it is also a way for me to take care of my body and my mind. I love feeling good and fit, and sport allows me to experience these feelings.
What sports & training do you usually do?
Usually my training starts in the morning at 8.30 a.m. and finishes at 18. I trained 3 sports a day. All my training includes gym, swimming, running, shooting with laser gun, obstacle course (as OCR sprint) and fencing. Sometimes I end my week with a bike session.
How did you start with pentathlon?
I started this sport thanks to my parents, who took me to a national modern pentathlon training center. As a child, I was full of energy, and a family friend suggested this place to my parents because it was full of children, fun, and guaranteed to tire me out!
What do you like most about pentathlon?
I like to challenge myself and try to improve day after day. In this sport, boredom never sets in, and that is what I love most: having to be skilled in several disciplines at the same time and knowing how to balance my energy well.
What has been the biggest challenge for you in your training?
The biggest challenge during my training is to build day by day all my certainties to carry into competitions.
What tips would you give to someone who is just starting or wants to level up their training?
Find a personal goal and go for it. Don’t give up… if you believe in your dreams and goals, they can come true!
What are you excited about right now? Any special goals, races or new types of sports you want to try?
I’m excited because I’m lucky enough to do what I love. I want to work hard to become the best version of myself, both as an athlete and, of course, as a person. And who knows, maybe one day I could make it to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics!
What would you like to tell to a younger version of yourself if you could meet her?
If I could meet my younger self, I would tell her to believe in herself more, because sometimes I didn’t. But I also think that every single mistake I made has helped me get to where I am today.
What makes you feel powerful?
What makes me feel truly powerful is challenging myself alongside others and, most importantly, showing the strength of women in sport. Sometimes, I feel like a superhero!
What is your favorite Power Woman garment?
I really love the swimsuits,they represent 100% strength and femininity. All the running stuff is perfect and super comfortable! And also the bike stuff.. In other words, I love everything!
You can follow Aurora on Instagram here: @aurora.tognetti
