Wearing the Italian national team jersey is a privilege reserved for only a select few. Doing so in two different sports, both at the highest youth level, is even more extraordinary. Just ask Matilde Cecati, an athlete who moves with the same determination between the throwing circle and the rugby pitch.
From 16 to 19 July, at the Raul Guidobaldi Stadium in Rieti, the young Italian will compete at the European Athletics Under 18 Championships, representing Italy in the discus throw. But Matilde is already well-oriented on the international stage. She has experienced it before with an oval ball in her hands.
Born in 2009 and hailing from Piedmont, Cecati is a three-quarter for Volvera Rugby and has already been part of Italy's U18 and U21 national rugby teams. She is a true "iron girl" of sport. First representing the Azzurrine at the U18 Six Nations Festival and later in the U21 Six Nations, she has demonstrated talent, physicality and determination—qualities that make all the difference in rugby.
Match reports have highlighted her outstanding performances, including tries scored against top-level international opposition such as Scotland, in both competitions and at both age-group levels.
Now the challenge shifts to a different arena: no tackles or sprints towards the try line, but instead the throwing circle at the Guidobaldi Stadium, a discus and a throw that demands absolute precision. Her selection for the European Championships came thanks to her personal best of 44.54 metres, achieved this year in Montespertoli. This mark has established her as one of Italy's leading discus throwers in her age category.
It is a journey built step by step. Cecati began her athletics career in the Under-14 category, first competing for Battaglio Cus Torino before joining Sisport, the club where she continues to develop. From her early throws with the vortex to the shot put and discus, she has consistently shown both talent and consistency.
The 2026 season has already brought significant results: second place in the girls' discus at the Italian U18 Championships in Grosseto with a throw of 43.06 metres, followed a week later by third place in the U20 competition in Caorle.
Two sports, two Italian national team jerseys, and one great passion: to compete and to win.