On June 13, during a round table held as part of the Athletissima press conference, Emma Van Camp, Ajla Del Ponte and Anita Protti came together to discuss the role of female role models and the importance of training in a group. It was a powerful moment, full of personal stories, meant to inspire the younger generations of athletes.
Both Emma and Ajla highlighted how valuable group training can be, not just for improving performance or competing, but for building team spirit, staying motivated and growing together. This team-focused mindset is something Anita Protti, a key figure in Swiss athletics during the 1990s, didn’t experience early in her career. Back then, athletics was still a very individual pursuit. Today, she is happy to see this more collaborative approach taking hold.
From Cornelia Bürki to Alyson Felix, from Mujinga Kambundji to Femke Bol, every generation has looked up to strong figures to help them push their limits, believe in themselves and chase their dreams.
Thanks to this kind of inspiration, combined with their own determination, Emma and Ajla have managed to carve out their own paths, all the way to joining the Swiss 4×100 m relay team. Ajla even shared how deeply moved and proud she felt in that moment.
A powerful conversation that shows just how important stories and role models are in keeping the passion for sport alive, generation after generation.
