Tania Cagnotto: A Dive into Resilience and Triumph- An Exclusive Interview
“Find a passion that makes you want to work hard and make sacrifices, because that’s how results are achieved.”
“In my opinion, the first important thing is passion, because without passion you can’t do anything. Then you need patience, courage (because diving requires great courage) and, above all, a lot of commitment and the willingness to make sacrifices. But everything comes from passion.”
Dear Readers,
Dive with me into the inspiring journey of Tania Cagnotto, a legend in the world of diving, who turned every challenge into a triumph. Born into an illustrious family of Olympic divers, Tania chose to not just ride on her family’s legacy but to carve her own path, guided by a fierce passion for the sport of diving.
“Both my parents tried to get me interested in other sports, but I was always drawn to the pool,” Tania revealed in our exclusive interview for Women Rising Strong. Her journey is unique, each dive a testament to her joy and commitment to the sport.
Tania Cagnotto, an Italian diving prodigy, has an illustrious career filled with remarkable achievements. Her medal tally at the Olympic Games includes a silver in the 3-meter synchronized springboard and a bronze in the 3-meter springboard, both secured at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. At the World Championships, she struck gold in the 1-meter event at the 2015 Kazan championships. Additionally, she has a collection of three silver and six bronze medals from various World Championships. Her dominance is further evident in the European Championships, where she has amassed an impressive 20 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze medals, showcasing her exceptional talent and resilience in the sport.
Tania's career is a mosaic of triumphant moments, but her gold medal at Kazan and silver and bronze medals at Rio are its crowning jewels. “The gold at the World Championships in Kazan and the medals in Rio! Those are my proudest moments,” she reminisced. These victories were more than just triumphs; they were affirmations of her resilience and relentless dedication.
Post-London Olympics was a challenging phase for Tania, marked by disappointment and the need for a mental reset. “It took time to overcome the letdown. I diversified my activities and worked closely with my psychologist to rebuild my approach,” she explained. This period was pivotal, marking her growth not just as an athlete but as a person.
“I know I will miss the sport, but I am in pieces. Tired of suffering. I stop for this, because it is a fire that warms, but also consumes. Not only you, but also those around you.”
In a sphere where female athletes often confront stereotypes, Tania’s journey stands out. “I didn’t face gender-based challenges in my career,” she said, highlighting a positive shift in the sports world and offering hope to aspiring women athletes.
Discussing her synchronized diving experience with Francesca Dallapé, Tania spoke of a deep connection: “We were always in sync, with mutual respect and shared objectives.” Their successful partnership is a testament to the power of teamwork, shared vision, and mutual understanding.
Now venturing into the realm of mental coaching, Tania aims to empower young athletes to navigate the psychological aspects of sports. “I’m studying to become a mental coach, helping young athletes manage the stresses of competition,” she conveyed, signifying her commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes.
“You can’t erase anxiety. You have to learn to manage it. You have to make it your friend.”
Juggling motherhood with her professional pursuits, Tania acknowledges the indispensable support of her family.
“Sport has taught me discipline, my husband and my friends have helped me stay in touch with reality outside of sport.”
To young athletes, she advises, “Find a passion that drives you to endure hard work and sacrifices. That’s where true success lies.”
“Find something that you are passionate about, because now it is very difficult to find something that you really like and requires great efforts. A sport or hobby are the best starting points.”
As Tania Cagnotto forges ahead in her new role as a mentor and mental coach, her story remains a beacon of hope and resilience. “After London 2012, I thought of giving up. But my passion rekindled my motivation,” she reflected, exemplifying the unyielding spirit that defines true champions.
Her journey transcends the confines of diving, resonating with anyone facing life's challenges. Tania's story is a reminder that in the pursuit of greatness, it is passion, perseverance, and the courage to embrace the unknown that truly matter.
“I would do it all over again, also because even the things that didn’t go well taught me a lot, losing teaches too. The hard knocks are good for you, then there are the joys that obviously I would do all over again.”
If Tania’s story inspires you, share it with others who might find strength in her words. And let’s discuss – have you ever rediscovered your passion after a setback? What drives your pursuit of excellence?
Waiting to bring you more stories of extraordinary women, I leave you with this thought: In every challenge lies an opportunity to rise stronger.
Warm regards,
S.A. Sterling