Senti Sighel on Fontana: “Our Teamwork Lasts Only Two Minutes”

The world of short track skating has been rocked by comments from Pietro Sighel regarding his teammate Arianna Fontana. Sighel, a 26-year-old athlete, stirred controversy after making remarks that questioned Fontana’s commitment to the team.

Senti Sighel on Fontana: “Our Teamwork Lasts Only Two Minutes”

During an interview with La Repubblica, Sighel expressed his views on Fontana, who has trained abroad for the past eight years. He stated, “Arianna Fontana? But who knows her,” highlighting a profound disconnect within the national team.

Team Dynamics and Historical Context

Sighel’s comments are not merely an offhand remark; they stem from long-standing tensions. He emphasized, “With her, we are not truly a team, except for the two and a half minutes on the ice.” This sentiment has reignited past conflicts, particularly a significant incident from 2019.

• Fontana accused teammates Andrea Cassinelli and Tommaso Dotti of causing her to fall during a training session in Courmayeur.
• In 2024, a federal tribunal acquitted Cassinelli and Dotti, closing an unsettling chapter in team history.

In light of these developments, Sighel commented on the tribunal’s decision, stating, “It ended as it should have; the two athletes did nothing wrong.”

Striving for Recognition

Despite the ongoing controversies, Sighel is eager to focus on promoting their sport. He drew inspiration from the legacy of Valentino Rossi, saying, “My sport needs visibility. I want it to reach the homes of Italians like Rossi did with motorcycles; he is my absolute idol.”

Sighel aimed to clarify his previous statements about the team, suggesting that no disrespect was intended. He expressed a desire to foster a sense of unity among athletes while addressing the need for the sport to gain more mainstream attention.

The unfolding narrative between Sighel and Fontana underscores the complexity and intensity of competitive sports. Whether this controversy will bolster team cohesion or widen existing rifts remains to be seen.