Speed Skating Data Podcast

The Athlete-Coach Relationship - with Asja Varani & Guido Cicconi - SSD Podcast - Episode 4

Il rapporto tra atleta e allenatore è uno degli elementi più importanti — e spesso meno visibili — nella carriera sportiva di un atleta.Nell'episodio 4 dello SSD Podcast abbiamo parlato con Asja Varani, campionessa del mondo di pattinaggio di velocità a rotelle, e con il suo allenatore Guido Cicconi, con cui ha condiviso gran parte della sua carriera sportiva.Pochi mesi dopo l’annuncio del ritiro di Asja dalle competizioni, abbiamo ripercorso insieme il loro percorso: dagli inizi, alla costruzione della fiducia reciproca, fino ai momenti più difficili e alle decisioni che segnano la carriera di un atleta.Durante l’intervista abbiamo parlato di:- come nasce e cresce un rapporto atleta–allenatore nel lungo periodo- come si gestiscono momenti di difficoltà, conflitti e decisioni tecniche- cosa cambia quando un atleta raggiunge il massimo livello- come si affronta il momento del ritiro- cosa resta di questo rapporto dopo la carriera sportivaUna conversazione che offre uno sguardo autentico su cosa significa lavorare insieme per anni inseguendo un obiettivo comune.Se ti interessano performance sportiva, allenamento e sport di alto livello, questo episodio ti darà una prospettiva unica dall’interno.The relationship between an athlete and a coach is one of the most important — and often least visible — factors in an athlete’s career.In this conversation, we speak with Asja Varani, World Champion in inline speed skating sprint events, and her coach Guido Cicconi, who has been by her side for most of her athletic career.A few months after Asja announced her retirement from competition, we took the opportunity to look back on their journey together: from the early years, to the development of trust between athlete and coach, and the difficult moments and decisions that shape a sporting career.In this interview we discuss:- how a long-term athlete–coach relationship is built- how to deal with difficult moments, conflicts, and technical decisions- what changes when an athlete reaches the highest level- how athletes and coaches approach retirement- what remains of this relationship after the competitive career endsThis conversation offers an authentic look at what it means to work together for years in pursuit of a shared goal.If you are interested in sport performance, coaching, and high-level sport, this episode provides a unique inside perspective.

Episode 3: Skating Between Asia and Europe - with Vanessa "Mimi" Wong - SSD Podcast

What are the main differences between training in Asia and Europe?How difficult it is to become an international-level inline speed skater in Hong Kong?During our 2026 conference we had the chance to try to answer these and more other question with our guest Vanessa "Mimi" Wong, arguably the most famous inline speed skater in Hong Kong.Enjoy the interesting conversation and follow our channel for similar contents!

Episode 2: Fabio Francolini, a fast life on the 8 wheels

In this second episode of the Speed Skating Data Podcast we had the pleasure to interview Fabio Francolini, one of the best Italian skaters of all time. During his career Fabio managed to win 57 National Titles, 16 European titles and 4 World Titles. He than moved on the ice where he also managed to get a silver medal in the mass start event at the World Championships. Listen to this episode to discover more about a life entirely dedicated to skating!!

Episode 1: Livio Wenger, the life of a professional Speed Skater

In this debut episode, we welcome Swiss speed skating legend Livio Wenger, junior world champion and Olympian known for his incredible versatility on both inline and ice. We dive into his training philosophy, the evolution of the sport, key lessons from his career, and how he balances two disciplines at the highest level. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or skating enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the sport’s most experienced voices. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube, and all major platforms. Follow us on Instagram: @speed.skating.data Website: speed-skating-data.com Youtube: speed skating data Channel