Elisa Marcello: Rising Italian Sprint Star
Elisa Marcello is an emerging Italian track and field athlete specializing in sprint events, particularly the 200 meters and 400 meters. Currently representing CUS Cagliari in Sardinia, she also competes for Atletica Valeria and has quickly established herself as one of Italy’s most promising young sprinters.
Track and Field Accomplishments
Marcello is the current Italian Under-20 champion in the 200 meters, having won the title at the 2024 championships in Rieti with a time of 23.96 seconds despite challenging headwind conditions. Her personal best of 23.73 seconds in the 200 meters was achieved at a qualifying challenge for the Italian national championships, earning her a spot at the 2024 World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru.
At the Lima World Under-20 Championships, Marcello exceeded expectations by reaching the semifinals, representing a breakthrough moment in her international career.
Earlier in her career, Marcello competed at the 2022 European Under-18 Championships in Jerusalem, where she won a silver medal as part of Italy’s sprint medley relay team. This Jerusalem competition was particularly significant as it marked her first time competing outside of Sardinia, and she was moved to tears by the emotional experience of winning medals on the international stage.
Throughout the 2024 season, Marcello demonstrated consistent improvement, with her results marking it as her best sporting year to date. Her versatility as a sprinter is evident in her competitive performances across multiple distances, including the 100m, 200m, and 400m events.
Education and Career Aspirations
Looking toward her future beyond athletics, Marcello has expressed interest in joining Italy’s military sports programs, specifically hoping to enter either the police or financial guard forces to continue competing at an elite level. She plans to take a gap year after completing high school to evaluate her options, with current aspirations to study criminology at the university level.
Marcello dreams of relocating to Rome to pursue both her athletic and academic goals, recognizing the superior training facilities and professional support systems available in Italy’s capital. She views this move as essential for reaching the highest levels of her sport.
Training and Personal Interests
Marcello has worked with her coach Andrea Sole since she was seven years old, developing a close relationship that extends beyond the track. She credits her coach with believing in her potential before she believed in herself, creating a foundation of trust and open communication that has been crucial to her development.
Her training regimen is rigorous and consistent, typically consisting of six track sessions and two gym sessions per week, with double training days lasting three to four hours. While she doesn’t follow a strict diet, Marcello is meticulous about managing her calorie intake and pays careful attention to details in her preparation for competitions.
Music plays an important role in Marcello’s pre-race preparation, particularly American hip-hop, with Tupac Shakur being her favorite artist. She finds inspiration in Tupac’s life story and artistic legacy, which provides her with motivation and energy before competitions.
Track and field has provided Marcello with more than just athletic success—it has taught her how to build relationships and serves as a refuge where she can escape from daily stresses. She describes the sport as a constant source of support that she can always rely on, particularly during difficult days.
Future Goals
Looking ahead to 2025, Marcello is targeting qualification for the European Under-20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, scheduled for August. She is also focused on contributing to Italy’s relay teams, with hopes of securing a medal in the relay events.
Beyond these immediate goals, Marcello harbors an ultimate dream: representing Italy at the Olympic Games. This ambition drives her continued dedication to the sport and her willingness to make the sacrifices necessary to reach the pinnacle of international athletics.
As one of Italy’s brightest young sprint talents, Elisa Marcello continues to improve with each competition, combining natural ability with disciplined training and a deep passion for track and field. Her journey from a young athlete in Sardinia to the international stage exemplifies the dedication and determination required to succeed at the highest levels of sport.
Go Elisa!
