TORTU Filippo

General
STUDENT ATHLETE
He believes studying is just as important as being an athlete. "I'm not just a student, and not just an athlete, but both. Both things that I continue to be, attending LUISS [Free International University of Social Studies] in Rome, where they apply the same principle towards those who play sports. Personally, I would make it mandatory everywhere, because anyone who aspires to play sports, sooner or later, risks being faced with a crossroads, and are then forced to choose one or the other. And giving up sport unwillingly, at any age, is a pain that leaves you incomplete forever, as if you were missing a piece of yourself." (eurosport.it, 15 Jun 2020)

OLYMPIC DREAM
He says he has dreamt of participating in the Olympic Games since he was a child. "When I was a child, at the age of six, seven, instead of cartoons, I spent hours watching ESPN Classic, where Olympic movies were broadcast. I would force my parents to watch sports marathons on TV. My absolute favourite was the Olympics in Rome in 1960, because Livio Berruti won gold in the 200m. I hope to end up too, sooner or later, in a documentary capable of inspiring many young athletes." (eurosport.it, 15 Jun 2020)

SARDINIAN LOVE
He has a tattoo of the island of Sardinia on his body, where his father is from. "Having Sardinia tattooed on my side I think is worth more than many words. Even though I have never lived there for a long time, the island is part of me. I am a stubborn and determined guy and I never look for an alibi. I think this is one of the main characteristics that unites me to the Sardinians." (bperpervoi.it, 21 Dec 2019)

In June 2018 he became the first Italian sprinter to break the 10-second barrier after running 9.99s in the 100m at the World Challenge event in Madrid, Spain. (worldathletics.org, 14 Mar 2019)