Meriano and Codato: "We're at the World Championships to make history."

Italian women's rowing is poised to write a new chapter in history. Four years after their first gold medal at the Tokyo Games (Cesarini-Rodini in the lightweight double sculls), it's time to break another taboo: their first world medal in the coxless pair, the premier discipline of spearhead rowing. At the World Championships, starting today in Shanghai, China, Laura Meriano and Alice Codato are eager to compete for a spot on the podium. This confidence has grown over time thanks to their results this season: their victory in the World Cup event in Varese and the silver medal at the European Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. "These results have certainly boosted our confidence," explains Laura Meriano, "and now in China we're aiming even higher, knowing that this will be the first step toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games. We're ready to make history."

The season's results have been crucial fuel for a crew formed during winter training camps ("before this year, we had never rowed together") that has grown, camp after camp, with Rodini and Cesarini as an example. "They've taught all the girls who row that winning gold isn't impossible," explains Meriano. "Cesarini and I are members of Gavirate," says Codato. "We often train together, so for me, she's an example." After the World Cup and European Championships, the time has come for the Italian pair to tackle the final event of the season: the World Championships. And for this competition, Laura and Alice have a clear idea of ​​the most fearsome crews: "Romania is the big favorite," the two athletes respond in unison, Meriano from the Carabinieri sports group and Codato from the Fiamme Oro. "The Czech Republic can also do well." Romania, which for the previous two Olympic cycles was coached by the current Italian technical director: Antonio Colamonici. The girls themselves reveal some of their secrets. "The mental approach has changed. There's no anxiety or stress, just fun," says Meriano. "He's rebuilding the team's foundations. He started from scratch, putting us all in singles to test our potential," adds Codato.

For the two women, the World Championships will represent, in different ways, an important chapter in their careers. Just a year ago, Meriano was considering retiring. "I was sure I could be part of the Italian team at the Paris Games, and when I was told no, I went through a difficult period. It was a hard blow. But I found the strength to react and prove my worth to everyone." Meanwhile, Codato, who is also competing in the mixed eight—a new event added to the program—will have the opportunity to compete alongside her brother Giovanni. "I'm thrilled to be able to compete with him. It's something I really wanted." Laura and Alice then have fun shuffling the cards for the other Italian boats. "The men's quadruple sculls have everything they need to do well," Meriano emphasizes. "The men's double sculls and coxless four are also worthy of the final. And let's look at the eights, which are always very exciting competitions," Codato adds. The coxless pair final is scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 a.m. History is calling, and Laura Meriano and Alice Codato have clear ideas. Chasing the first women's world medal in the specialty.