Team Italy softball manager Enrico Obletter takes Tokyo Olympics postponement in stride

Having led the Italian women's softball squad to a fifth-place finish in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Team Italy manager Enrico Obletter has already experienced the euphoria of coaching on the world stage. So when word got out that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics had been postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Italian skipper saw the writing on the wall. Enrico Obletter said, "I think that the decision was a no-brainer really... So many people have passed in Italy from COVID-19, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the families. We obviously look forward to the Olympics, but there are far more serious situations in Italy at the present time to make our disappointment seem meaningless."

Despite the dire circumstances, forced isolation, and social distancing, the Team Italy softball skipper remains optimistic. Enrico Obletter said, "For us, it means we have more time to get ready so it's all for the best. It is very tough to keep the team together now; however, we do write to each other, and the general feeling is that we can't wait to get back to playing softball. We are a strong-minded team, and we will definitely pick up from where we left off with great enthusiasm, wanting to give a reason to smile for all the Italians who follow us around the world." Forza #Italia!

by Roberto Angotti