Fiona May debuts tomorrow in Prague with Rome 2024: she will be in charge of athlete relations.

1)      You will manage the relationships with the athletes at an international level on behalf of the Rome 2024 Committee. How do you envision this role and what will your first activities be in order to involve the world champion’s support for Rome’s bid?
"Becoming a part of this team is fantastic. The role I will play for Rome’s bid is perfect for me. I was born in the UK, I have Jamaican origins, I am an Italian citizen and I currently live in this beautiful country. I have travelled the world and met many athletes of all nationalities. I am a product of multiculturalism and I hope to bring this spirit to the Rome 2024 bid. Currently, thanks to my commitment with the Football Association, I am working on integration projects, trying to encourage the growth of cultural professionals and fans and working to raise public awareness on anti-discrimination issues. I will bring all of my cultural awareness and  knowledge in the Rome 2024 team. I really think that this country and this city in particular need to show the world their multiculturalism and people’s openness to issues such as immigration and gender equality. I think that sports and events such as the Olympics can contribute a lot".

2)     What do the Rome Olympics mean to you and what are the strengths of Rome’s bid? 
"In this particular moment, some people may not believe that Rome can succeed. But it is in times of difficulty that people have to believe, work harder and come together to win. Trophies and medals are won only after sweat and commitment. Rome is a beautiful city that has so much to give. For this reason, we have to accept the challenge. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a unique opportunity. For children and young people of today, because tomorrow they could have the chance to meet their favorite athletes in the streets of their city. It is an incredible opportunity for athletes, because they would wear the shirt of their national team at home. It is an incredible opportunity for everyone, because our entire country would benefit from the Games".

3)     You have two young daughters, what do you tell them about the Olympic Games you won and the future ones we could win?
"The oldest is 13 years old and just started practicing athletics. She's read a lot about me and every now and then she asks me: “Mom, how was competing in the Olympics?”, “How was it to win that competition?” I can see she is emotional about it and eager to being able to participate herself. For her, and for all the young athletes like her, I want the Olympics to take place in Rome".

4)     What are your memories of the Olympics as an athlete ?
"I remember the immensity of the Olympic Village and colors, many colors. I remember the joy, but also the fear of facing a race. In Seoul, in 1988, I was very young. I remember the feeling of  the handshake of other champions and the smile of the coaches. The feeling of being a part of this “Club of Elites”.  It was this that made me stronger and able to overcome the emotions and compete with determination. At home I have a book, which I consider my bible, "With Winning in Mind" by Lanny Bassham a shooting champion, gold medal at the '76 Olympics. He gave it to me in person and to me it represents a set of resolutions to improve and to find the strength to hit every target. What Rome should do".

5)      Diana Bianchedi is the new general coordinator, a former fencer. You are a long jump champion, two athletes in the Rome 2024 dashboard. What is the added value you can bring to Rome’s bid?
"It's not only very good to have more athletes at the top of the bid, but also incredibly valuable to have two women. It's time to change the perception of Italy that some people have abroad. It is the time to understand that we are not so far behind as some think. I believe that choosing two women to represent the bid’s Committee is a winning strategy and I hope that the percentage of women will increase, both in sports, and among the winners. By having two female champions in the bid, Rome is demonstrating it's commitment through actions and not just words".