Italian volleyball sensation Paola Egonu has openly addressed the escalating pressures caused by an extremely packed volleyball schedule, cautioning that the current pace is becoming unsustainable for athletes. Speaking to Rai TV after her Milan team’s clash with Savino Del Bene Scandicci, the prominent star characterized the season as exceptionally grueling and suggested that a reconsideration of the existing calendar is imperative.
Egonu acknowledged that players are passionate about being on the court, but the continuous string of matches eventually exacts a severe physical toll. She further stressed that such an intense rhythm can detrimentally affect the overall caliber of play, impacting not only the performance of the athletes but also the viewing experience for spectators.
She emphasized that the well-being of athletes should remain the top priority, making it clear that greater recovery time is essential if the sport aims to safeguard player health and careers in the long term. Her statements contribute significantly to the ongoing wider discussion concerning the ever-increasing number of club and international obligations in elite volleyball.
