Fleming: "Marry Paltrinieri? If you hurry, I'm here, but it's the man who has to ask..."

It's the first medal day at the World Championships in Tbilisi. Not only are the four Italian foil fencers Tommaso Marini, Guillaume Bianchi, Filippo Macchi, and Alessio Foconi taking to the floor, but also the women's epee team led by Rossella Fiamingo. The 34-year-old Carabinieri athlete from Catania has secured her spot in the main draw with six victories in as many bouts, joining her teammates Alberta Santuccio, Giulia Rizzi, and Sara Kowalczyk, who already qualified by ranking. "I was a little nervous about this qualifying round because I hadn't competed in a long time, but I was quite determined to get the result. I didn't even bring a sandwich because I wanted to finish by noon. Now I've broken the ice: the experience of the last few years will help me have a good performance. And if I'm here, it's to win a medal: I'm optimistic."

What is the group of Italian swordswomen like?

"Very interesting. We've also changed our training method. There are a lot of strong girls, and that's helped me a lot. We're very good friends, it's a great group, I really enjoy spending time with my teammates. There's a relaxed atmosphere."

This is your tenth World Championship, with two titles under your belt: how has fencing changed over the years?

"Now it's very physical and geographically diverse. Of the Asians, there used to be only Koreans and Chinese, now there's Hong Kong, and the Americans are growing, so the movement is no longer just European. My work on the platform has also changed, with coach Daniele Pantoni who gave me an extra edge on every occasion. My best gold? In Moscow, 2015."

How has Rossella changed? Does she have a goal?

"Sure, the Los Angeles Games. I want to give it my all every moment, then maybe I'll stop afterward. I can't afford to waste time..."

He's already thinking about the future, so: what would he like to do next?

"I have a diploma in piano and a degree in dietetics, but I don't want to think about it now. We'll talk about it after Los Angeles, really."

Are you also planning to start a family?

So are you thinking about marrying Gregorio Paltrinieri?

"That's what men demand, not women. Women can force, but I don't want to force. I'll wait."

What if Greg called her tomorrow and said let's get married?

"I say yes. I'd be ready. If you hurry up, I'm here. In the meantime, he's having surgery on his finger these days."

Now you can tell us: but at the World Swimming Championships had you decided to only do open water?

"There was a large percentage of people who said no to the pool, even though I was hoping for the yes, because he still has a lot to offer. But I think he'll swim the pool at the European Championships next year, even though open water has really won him over."

Let's go back to the fencing team: Mara Navarria, who won gold in Paris, is missing, but Sara Kowalczyk has entered.

"She arrives with a huge burden, but we've cared for her and reassured her, telling her she just needs to stay calm. We miss Mara, indeed. But there's a significant turnover. And I came back early because the young women were pushing..."

Do you ever look back on the gold medal you won with your team in Paris?

"Yes, but I touch it and let it touch very little. The one in Rio is completely ruined precisely because it's been through so many hands. This one is perfect."

What do you think about the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to the platform?

"For me, it's sport and we need to go a little further. They're here now, and if we meet them somehow, we'll do it."