Iachino almost world champion: l’intervista

Posted by RIWmag on 28 Nov 2022 /

From 2015 Matthew Iachino (Starboard, Severne Windsurfing, ZFoils, Prolimit) delights the Italian public with its PWA slalom podiums.
3zo overall 2015, World Champion 2016, 2do overall 2017, 2do overall 2018, 2do overall 2019, no PWA regatta 2020, 7MO overall 2021.
In 2022 He finished 2nd overall on equal points with the first : disappointment or success ?
RIWmag reached Matteo to take stock of the situation.

RIWmag : Hello Matthew. Thank you for accepting the invitation to our interview and congratulations for this new result, although we know it wasn't exactly what you hoped for. How are you ?
Matthew Iachino : Hi all, I'm good, I've been in New Caledonia for a week and you don't feel sick at all. Logically I still have a little’ bitter in the mouth but it is already past water and we look to the future.

RIW : From Covid onwards the PWA slalom calendars end with few races. Many athletes are frustrated by this situation that does not allow them to express themselves at their best and that does not allow margins for error. To your knowledge for the 2023 MORE STAGES ARE PLANNED ?
M.I. : You, On paper there are many more stages. I am sure there will be at least 4 Valid for the title. I share the feeling of frustration but it is a common situation in many sports and now we are recovering.

RIW : You started on the last day of the last event 2022 with the chance to win a new world title. Maciek Rutkowski, Your main opponent to the title had not made it to the finals due to a plastic bag that had dropped him. How did you face the final winners of the last bracket ?
M.I. : I faced it as always, trying to do my best. In the end if you think too much about what happened and what will happen it doesn't help, you have to give your best and relax.

RIW : Johan Soe's position at this Japanese event (5to) It was decisive for the calculation of the overall ranking. In the final winners of the last board Johan came 4th and you 5to. What should or could have happened differently to be able to award you this year's world title ?
M.I. : Johan is a very talented rider. In Japan he finished fifth on equal points with Maciek who was fourth.. It would have been enough for him to finish third instead of fourth in the last round in Japan to finish ahead of Maciek in the event and consequently I would have won the title.. With ifs and buts you are always champions …

RIW : In this year's PWA overall slalom ranking, you are tied for points with the first-place finisher.. Can you explain which rule assigns the title to Maciek ?
M.I. : The rule is that whoever has had the best single result during the season wins the title.. I made two podiums out of two but that is the second rule to look at with the same best result.

RIW : The photos taken immediately after the conclusion of the final winners of the last draw in Japan show your sincere expression of disappointment. Yet you still won the title of vice-champion even on equal points with the first. Disappointment or success ? What is your assessment today of this result ?
M.I. : Definitely and’ a success to be there’ from 2015 to play it with me. The disappointment comes from being so close and feeling that you deserve it but not win. We are at high levels and you don't know how many opportunities you have, Losing another one was not pleasant. But I'm in the prime of my career so you just look ahead..

RIW : What do you think of the PWA slalom formula that includes both foil and fin races in a single title compared to the new IFCA format that separates them again into two distinct titles ?
M.I. : I think it's a smart thing. In our world that is so small there are already too many sample divisions and samples.. Sport needs a champion for a well-defined discipline that is easy to identify, the more you divide the less value the title has.

RIW : In the case for the 2023 there are few PWA races again it would make sense for you to participate in the IFCA circuit as well ?
M.I. : No, because only by supporting the PWA is there a future for professional windsurfing. The Ifca is a beautiful reality of mine remains an amateur reality. Professionalism is something else and the only glimmer of professionalism in our world was, is and will be only the Pwa.

RIW : What are your plans and goals for the coming months ?
M.I. : I will be in New Caledonia until 6 December, then home a couple of weeks. For Christmas I am in Tarifa and from late December to April I will be in my second home in Tenerife to train and welcome you to the Surf Hub for those of you who want to get away from winter and take a hot surf!

RIW : Even if you haven't won a new world title overall, Let us let you, on behalf of all Italian windsurfers, Congratulations on your career, for the incredible result of this year and for the fairness and sportsmanship with which you constantly face your races.
M.I. : Thank you and thank you to all the fans for the support. It's very important and I'm proud to represent Italian surfers.