NANJING: For all the athletes heading to the second summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Nanjing, China the support and guidance they receive from their parents and other relatives is one of the most important aspects of what they do.
But to be able to say that those relatives are Olympians is a rarity.
For two members of the Australian Youth Olympic Team (AYOT), they have the privilege of having the Olympic Rings draped over their family tree.
Max Esposito, who will compete in the Modern Pentathlon at the YOG, will look to his father and sister for inspiration, as they both know what lies ahead for the 17-year-old.
“It does inspire me though when we train together, it's great and they help me with good advice.”
His father Daniel, represented Australia at the 1984 Tokyo Olympics as well as his sister, Chloe who donned the green and gold most recently in London.
Having those insights while preparing for a Games, may just give them an edge heading towards competition.
“They are included in everything, full stop. Training, support, experiences. We get on well altogether, so this makes things easier. So they are very happy for me,”
AYOT shooter Daniel Clopatofsky, who was born in Columbia, will be able to draw on the experiences of his grandfather and father, both of which have represented their country at a senior Olympic Games.
“It gives me that extra passion which drives people to pursue great things. I hope to do just that,” he said.
Both Clopatofsky’s grandfather and father competed in the shooting in Tokyo 1964 and Los Angeles 1984, respectively.
“I've never really experienced not having Olympian relatives, so it's normal for me I guess,” the New South Welshman said.
While having Olympian relatives is an honour not all athletes have this experience. For these two, it’s nothing unusual.
“Yeah, it's good, it's no different really, I don't look at them as Olympians, they are just my ordinary sister and dad, just living a normal life training and competing,” Esposito said.
Only days out from the YOG, athletes will be looking for as much inspiration as they can, which for some may just spell the difference.
“I'm pumped now for Nanjing, my sisters are very excited for me and keep revving me up. Mum and Dad are very supportive, so I am ready to go,” Esposito said.
The second summer Youth Olympic Games commence in Nanjing, China on Saturday 16 August and run for 12 days.
Sam Rawlings
Olympics.com.au
@AUSOlympicTeam
