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Two World titles, two Olympic silvers, and a personal best of 7.11m. Fiona May achieved an awful lot in a stellar long jump career, but - despite having been born in Slough and becoming a Junior World Champion whilst competing for Great Britain - her greatest moments were for the Azzurri, after she switched citizenships in 1994, and never looked back. Her daughter, Larissa, is European Junior Champion, and already closing in on her mother's records.

With Italy winning five golds in Tokyo - including a jaw-dropping 4x100 title, and an internet-breaking sob fest of a win in the men's high jump - we could think of no one better to chat it all through with.

From her decision to change allegiances, and her attempts to persuade her daughter to pick any event but the long jump, to what it means to represent Italy - such a passionate sporting nation - we cover it all, and hope you enjoy the listen as much as we relished the conversation. 

Fiona - it was a JOY. Grazie. 

Thanks so much for tuning in. Please let us know your thoughts, and give us a follow on socials: @Claire_GThomas and @BackstraightB on Twitter, and @backstraightboyspodcast on Instagram.

We weren't able to use our amazing microphones for this one, but - because we love them, and are so grateful for their support - here's a shout out to our friends at Hal Leonard Europe, who provided our swanky Samson gear.

Enjoy Pre Classic, guys xoxo

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