Paola Egonu Delivers Emotional Monologue on the San Remo Stage
Italian star, Paola Egonu took to the big stage of the San Remo festival yesterday evening to co-host what is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Italy. In doing so, she took the opportunity of using her monologue to give insight into what being Paola Egonu has been like and what she believes in.
“Uff, I am so nervous! I hope to share with you love and empathy. I am not here tonight to give life lessons, because at my age there are more things that I can learn than those that I can teach.” said Paola in the opening stages of her monologue, faced with a crowd highly anticipative of what Vakifbank’s and Italy’s star would say.
She continued by acknowledging the controversy that some of her comments might’ve sparked in the past and the importance of having clarity in what she wants others to take from what she has been saying: “I have learnt that every thought, once it is expressed into words and shared with someone, it is no longer under the control of the person saying those words.”
Paola Egonu"I am the first of three siblings and I owe everything to my mother, Eunice and my dad, Ambrose. They are the ones that have allowed me to have a happy childhood, supported me and taught me that, if you want something you have to earn it without fears and with sacrifices. (…) Thank you mom, thank you dad!"
A child of Nigerian parents, growing up in Italy meant that Paola’s experience was different from that of those around her, struggling at times to find her own identity, a struggle that continued into her adulthood.
Despite being one of the best players in the world at an early age, Paola realized that there is more to sport than winning a match or winning medals. Being a winner, in her book is about continuous self-development without contemplating giving up.
Paola EgonuWhen I was a child, I was fixated on the “why”… Why am I tall? Why does my grandfather live in Nigeria? Why am I asked if I am Italian? Then I grew up and the “why” continued… Why do I feel different? Why am I going through this as if it were my fault? Why was I punishing myself every time, giving a wrong version of myself? In time, I realized that my diversity is what makes me unique and that to the question “Why am I who I am? The answer is “I am who I am!
At the end of her monologue, Paola sent a message that all Italians would be happy to hear and even more so volleyball fans, ahead of a big summer that will be culminating at EuroVolley Women 2023, a tournament co-hosted by Italy, “I love Italy and I wear the blue jersey with pride. For me, it is the most beautiful jersey in the world!”
Until the national teams’ season comes later this year, fans will continue to watch Paola playing at the highest level of club volleyball in the CEV Champions League Volley.