Filippo Magnini talks about sport, family and his love for Sardinia

The swimming champion is in Porto Cervo for a challenge in the waters of the bay during the Longevity Weeks

Two world titles, four European titles and a career that has established him as one of the leading figures in Italian swimming. Filippo Magnini continues to push himself with new challenges, both in and out of the water. As an ambassador for the Costa Smeralda Longevity Weeks, we met him in Porto Cervo, where he spoke to us about his relationship with sport, wellbeing and the importance of passing on a healthy lifestyle to the younger generations.

We’re in Porto Cervo, where a 1,800-metre open-water swim awaits you – a challenge that takes you a little outside your comfort zone. Where do you find the strength and energy to push yourself even in disciplines other than your own?

From curiosity. I’ve always been a very curious person; I like trying new experiences, taking on different challenges and sometimes even putting myself in difficult situations. I can’t do everything, of course, but that’s precisely what drives me to learn, to improve and to keep training. Anything new to me represents an opportunity. I’ll never stop learning and today, perhaps, I’ll discover some new strategy for tackling open-water swimming.

Longevity promotes a healthy lifestyle and long-term wellbeing. How do you apply this philosophy in your daily life?

Especially now that I’m a father, I try to instil in my daughters the importance of a healthy lifestyle. They’re still young and perhaps don’t fully grasp its value, but I’m convinced that certain habits should be cultivated from a young age, without waiting for our bodies to tell us we need to look after them. As an athlete, I’ve always paid close attention to my diet, rest, and physical and mental health. Over time, I’ve come to realise even more how crucial it is to start looking after yourself early on, to build a sense of wellbeing that will stay with you throughout your life.

Porto Cervo, with its sea and extraordinary natural surroundings, is the ideal setting for outdoor sport. What is your connection with Sardinia, and how much can initiatives such as the Longevity Weeks help to extend the tourist season?

I believe that organising activities of this kind even out of season is essential. Well-being shouldn’t be something we only focus on at certain times of the year, but a constant commitment to be nurtured every day. In this sense, extending the sporting season also means promoting a culture of health and longevity. And Sardinia offers extraordinary opportunities, thanks to its climate and the beauty of the landscape. For me, too, it’s a second home, as my wife is Sardinian. I hope to return soon with her as well.

Through your academy, you’re dedicated to training young people. What values do you seek to convey through sport, apart from athletic training?

The philosophy of my academy is very much in line with the principles of longevity. It’s not just about training in the pool, but about teaching young people to look after themselves – from nutrition to managing their emotions and stress. Above all, I try to make them understand that sport must first and foremost be fun, but also an extraordinary school of life. It teaches you to grow, to face difficulties and to push beyond your limits. An athlete’s journey inevitably involves ups and downs. Winning is wonderful and, ultimately, it’s also the easiest part to deal with. The real challenge is learning to cope with defeat, because it’s as much a part of sport as it is of life. This is what I try to convey to the youngsters: losing is normal, winning is extraordinary, but what really matters is learning from every experience.