From the rooftops of Udine, Italy, to the R&D department at Gill Athletics, Matteo Madrassi’s journey is anything but ordinary.

Raised with a love for climbing, parkour, and BMX, Matteo discovered pole vault at 14 and quickly soared to world junior competition. His path led him through NAIA and NCAA championships, engineering degrees, and an MBA — all while chasing Olympic dreams.

💡 In this episode:

🏙 Growing up in Italy and avoiding soccer to forge his own path

🪂 How a PE teacher spotted his talent for pole vaulting

🎓 Transitioning from Italian high school to U.S. college athletics

🏆 PRs, injuries, and the mindset to keep going

🛠 Inside his summer internship with Gill Athletics R&D

“I might not leave my mark in the sport as an athlete, but maybe I will as an engineer.” – Matteo Madrassi

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