The Flight of the Swimming Caps: Avallone goes to Australia
From Camogli to Kangaroos, saying no to Italy
Camogli: A kangaroo jump explains the mystery of why a name which was once on the national Water polo team has now been removed.
What has happened to Samuele Avallone, the 25 year old striker from Camogli, son and grandson of the sport (Davide and Raul, strongholds of Bogliasco and Nervi in the 80s and 90s) who is not listed on the team, which two days ago beat Holland in the World League at Palermo. Even though, Campagna had called him.
Then the day’s training list was revised and updated. Why? The truth lies in that kangaroo’s jump. Kangaroo’s jump because Avallone will play with the Australian National team and has turned down the offer from Campagna. And the question is why? “I have been thinking about it for quite a while. Now I have decided with great certainty. The offer of playing for the Italian Nationals is a great honour. I thank Campagna but my choice is a lifestyle choice I make.”
A retrospective: Samuele lived in Australia for 3 years. It has been difficult because of his relationship with Rari Nantes Bogliasco, the team in which he grew up. A drastic decision: “I played in Sydney for Drummoyne whilst I was studying. I graduated in Business Administration but I never once gave up on water polo; 2nd in the championships for 2 years. After that time, I obtained my Australian citizenship and now have dual passports. I then decided to return to face the most difficult championship of the world. In January, Campagna called me to attend a college game in Savona in recognition of my work. However, after two months I was out of the loop. I missed the game in Croatia and a few of the college games.
To sum it up, the Azzurri head coach stated “A few days ago Avellone called me. He told me that he was torn. He felt that here the team had been decided and that in Australia he may have had more opportunity. I replied that I couldn’t guarantee his position for the championships at Shanghai and I added that it wasn’t up to me to decide. It is an important decision that he has to make on his own with great consideration.
“Australia is not only about Water polo but is also an opportunity for my life and career,” says the young man. He confirms, “The Australian Federation informed me that they have been interested in me for a while. It is a decision which makes sense. Let me be clear, I don’t expect anything. I have chosen and I repeat in addition to the possibility of being able to play, there are other opportunities. In Camoglio I’m fine, I feel at home.
Next year I may be able to play in black and white but as a foreigner, or perhaps in Australia to prepare for the Olympic season. This is an opposite jump to the one made by Pietro Figlioli a few years ago, an italo-australian with Brazilian roots.. Another kangaroo jump.
By Claudio Mangini
