Junior Rowing Star Massimo Manovali Secures Multiple Wins in 2023 Season

This year he started, but has already achieved excellent results. Massimo Manovali, the star of the rowing team of the Volontari del Garda, moves like a torpedo. Born in December ’89, he competes in the B Junior category. The boat: a 7.20. Massimo lives in Portese and has lake in his veins. His family comes from ancient fishermen, now dedicated to nautical arts.

A young boy who takes his commitments seriously, training four times a week at the gym of the former Salò footwear factory. His debut was in February at Cernobbio, Lake Como: Manovali placed first in the 500 meters. On March 4th, he finished second in Ispra, on Lake Maggiore, over the same distance. On March 18th, in Varese, he won the 1000-meter race. Massimo does not mind the increased length of the course.

On April 8th, in Milan, for the eleventh edition of the “Pasqua del canottaggio” (Rowing Easter), he again finished first. Note that at the Idroscalo, clubs outside the region could also register. On May 27th, he scored another victory, this time in Endine, Bergamo. After a stop in Varese due to a violent storm, on June 17th, he triumphed in Gavirate, once again over 1000 meters.

Last week, in Candia, Piedmont, he participated in the Festival dei giovani (Youth Festival), a national regatta now in its twelfth edition. Manovali finished second, earning a silver medal, behind the massive Visigalli. He was awarded by Gian Antonio Romanini, President of the Federation.

Results and athlete’s comments

Same result in the double, with Valter Visioli from Canottieri Garda, defeated by Barletta. So, either first or second. Never a worse placement. “Massimo is gritty and agile,” explains Erik Zanca, his coach. “He has a smooth and productive rowing style, not at all nervous. The intensification of training does not scare him.

Prospects? We will have to wait for his physical growth. Certainly, in his first season, he achieved very good results.” Meanwhile, team manager Mario Crippa has already received sponsorship offers, which he is carefully evaluating.

Benefits and advantages of rowing

Rowing is among the most complete disciplines. It can be practiced at any age, without health risks. Boys start at eight or ten years old to learn the technical gestures and to begin adequate general physical preparation early.

Among the benefits: acquiring a correct posture and improved joint mobility, muscle development. Other advantages include greater efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (leading to bradycardia, meaning a lower heart rate, allowing quicker recovery after exertion), effective peripheral circulation, and weight loss.

Doctors assure that rowing practice helps maintain blood parameters (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, etc.) within normal levels, unlike those who are less active. So, good blood for rowers.