In 024, Italians Lucrezia Beccari and Matteo Guarise won the gold medal at the European Figure Skating Championships in Kaunas. That time, they not only wrote their names in sports history, but also won the hearts of Lithuanian spectators. Currently, the couple is preparing for the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games, as well as for a new date with Lithuania: they will participate in the festive show "Ice Melodies".
Figure skating star M. Guarise recently became a father, but he maintains his skills, juggling professional sports, Olympic wrestling and the new challenges of fatherhood. His figure skating partner L. Beccari also faced a challenge after winning the European gold: a painful injury disrupted her plans, but the temperamental Italian did not give up and returned to the ice full strength after treatment and rehabilitation.
In an exclusive interview for the Lithuanian audience, European champions Lucrezia and Matteo talk about their Olympic dreams, professional challenges, and participation in the most anticipated winter show "Ice Melodies".
You first visited Lithuania in 2024 – you won gold at the European Figure Skating Championships in Kaunas. What impression did our country leave on you?
Lucrezia: Lithuania left so many memories, feelings and emotions! The very warm welcome of the people and, of course, the fact that we won gold medals in Lithuania – that magical feeling will remain in my heart for the rest of my life. We are very happy that we will return here this year and participate in the wonderful show "Ledo melodijos".
Matteo: What I remembered most about Lithuania was the people – everyone was so friendly! And the overall atmosphere was magical.
After the victory, when it seemed that the victories had just begun, an unexpected turn occurred - your trauma, Lucrezia. How did you manage to overcome this difficult period? What helped you not to break down and not lose hope of stepping onto the ice at the Olympic Games?
Lucrezia: It was a real test, because the injury recurred twice. The second time I needed surgery, which meant six months without ice. During my career, I have hardened my psychological resilience – I try to always see the bright side, not to worry about the problem, but to look for a solution. I am very grateful to my doctors in Turin – they are not only professionals, but also people who inspire. And, of course, to my family. Without their support, I would not be here. My best friend and my boyfriend are always by my side. They are my pillar.
Matteo: The trauma was painful at first, but after a while it became a kind of motivation - it helped us believe even more in our dream and improve step by step.
Pain is in the past. This year you are returning to Lithuania, where you will participate in one of the most striking festive spectacles - the ice show "Ice Melodies", in December you will show your skills in the country's largest arenas in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda. You will skate to the sound of live music. An exceptional experience?
Matteo: Live music allows you to establish a special connection with the audience. The most important thing for us is to create a feeling. The audience should become part of the show, not just observers, so we will try very hard to touch the hearts of the Lithuanian audience.
Lucrezia: Live music always adds magic – it’s like an extra wave of emotions. Of course, it can be a little different every time, so you need to be sensitive. In any case, it will be very beautiful and sensual.
What is the difference between preparing for a professional competition and participating in an ice show?
Lucrezia: If I had to choose, I would choose competitions without hesitation. I like their tension and adrenaline. But the show is a completely different freedom. You can just enjoy skating, spread emotions, improvise. This is the joy of creativity.
Do you have any rituals before you get on the ice?
Lucrezia: Oh, of course! (Laughs.) I always take stuffed animals with me – I kiss them before the performance. I also have lucky charms – little things that people close to me gave me. I am very pedantic, so I put everything in a certain order – it is also a kind of ritual. In addition, to calm down, I listen to music, draw, color. Sometimes I even specifically listen to songs that remind me of dear people. This helps me return to a safe state. And before the start I always… yawn. Always!
Matteo: My ritual is simpler – I always touch the cross on my neck. It gives me peace.
In your professional career, do you probably follow a strict sports discipline or diet? What helps you relax, what kind of leisure activities do you choose?
Lucrezia: I don't have much free time, especially during the sports season, but when I do, I try to spend it with my family, friends, my dogs, or my boyfriend. I like to travel, shop, dine out, and sometimes, when I want some privacy - to be with myself and my thoughts, I can just relax with a good movie, paint, or cook.
Matteo: I usually spend my free time with my family or friends. Diet and discipline are my daily routine, but everything I do brings me joy. I really like fishing! It's my way of relaxing.
Matteo, congratulations – you recently became a father! How has fatherhood changed your life?
Matteo: Everything has changed. Now I see the world differently, and skating brings even more joy. Of course, there is less rest - sleep has become a luxury. (Laughs.) But my wife is amazing - she understands what an athlete's routine means, and always helps me find time to recover.
The Winter Olympics are coming up. Next year they will be held almost in your home – in Italy. These are the immediate plans, what's next? Have you thought about what you want to do in the future?
Lucrezia: Indeed, we are focusing a lot on the Olympics right now. But my path is long – I want to continue to improve, step by step. In the future, I would like to study – I dream of becoming a physiotherapist or an anesthesiologist.
Matteo: I hope to perform my best at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games and inspire the younger generation. And before that, we will aim to inspire the Lithuanian audience!
The spectacular show "Ice Melodies", which will bring together Olympic, world and European figure skating stars, aerial acrobats and talents of the Lithuanian music scene - At the Lighthouse Arena on December 9th.