Alex Schwazer is not there and is back to training: the 2020 Olympics goal

A goal a bit utopian because the former de facto champion is out of the sports organization until 2024. Now, however, a new episode of a human and sporting soap opera opens that has led Schwazer from the triumphs from gold in the 50 km to Beijing 2008 to the shame of the resounding positivity near London 2012, from the consequent disqualification to the agonistic renaissance in view of Rio 2016 up to the new positivity that has excluded him from the Brazilian Games, inducing him to the withdrawal.

"Going back to training to hope to return to the races, Schwazer does not intend to provoke anyone", explains his coach, Sandro Donati, who has resumed following Alto Adige in training – but "reaffirm and give substance to his innocence". Less than a month ago, at the request of the defense, the magistrate of the Bolzano court ordered a supplementary report to explain the anomalous concentration of DNA found in the suspect's urine sample from the walker, a test that could prove the conspiracy theory. The road to eventual redemption through the courts is long, but should there be a turning point that exonerates it, the Alto Adige wants to be ready to try again, still feeling able to have its say in the race.

Donati appeals to the world anti-doping agency (Wada) and the international athletics federation (IAAF) to "help the judiciary to identify the responsibility for the alleged tampering of urine tubes" taken in the anti-doping test of January 1, 2016. Meanwhile, stresses that the athlete gives his "full willingness to be subjected to any control, with the guarantees imposed by the situation".

The 50 km march is a discipline that educates to patience and hope, and Schwazer tries to fish out both, together with the desire to never give up and not to throw that talent that has illuminated the athletic blue once and for all. At almost 35 years of age, he will perform them in Santo Stefano, the Alto Adige region still feels "naturally strong". And he counts on being able to try it.