Delfi Brea: “The World Cup? For an athlete, these are the major milestones, just like the Olympics”

In sports, when it’s your whole life and you’ve reached the top of the world, there’s always a first time. A first time that takes you back to childhood, when dreaming didn’t even require closing your eyes. “Yes, that’s exactly how it feels”, said Delfi Brea just a few hours before her debut at the FIP World Cup Pairs in Kuwait. “I’ve never been a world champion, not in individual competitions and not in team events. That’s why this week is special: it’s a chance to make my childhood dream come true, the dream we all have as kids, to be the best in the world at something you love”.

For someone like her, who has already won many titles and is among the top players in the FIP rankings, this world title has a special meaning. “I think it’s similar to being ranked number one. These are the greatest goals for an athlete, just like the Olympics. For me, this title would be an incredible achievement, and I really hope I can win it”. Delfi felt the special atmosphere even before stepping onto the Arena Kuwait court. “I already knew before arriving that it would be a different kind of tournament, something we’d never experienced before. From this point of view, it’s a total success. Being here, with these facilities and this environment, is perfect to really feel what a world event means”.

Those emotions help her stay focused on her goal. “Every match is a new challenge. In the last few days, I’ve been studying my opponents, trying to prepare for anything that can happen on court. Every day, every round brings new challenges to face”.