Check Carlo Macchini’s personal insights about training, competing and future aspirations

Carlo Macchini was born on May 5, 1996, in Ancona, Italy. At the age of four, his parents enrolled him in gymnastics due to his hyperactive temperament. His nickname, “Bistecca” (steak), was bestowed upon him by his coach Marco Fortuna, following an incident where he became sunburned at the beach.

Inside Carlo Macchini’s Gymnastics Journey

How and when did you start in gymnastics?

I started in 2000, when I was 4 years old; my parents figured it was a smart move since I had tons of energy. I was like a little human earthquake back then! I’ll always be thankful to them.

What’s your favorite apparatus to do?

Without any doubt, the Horizontal Bar is my preferred activity in the world; it provides me with the exhilarating sensation of flight.

And to watch?

One of my favorite events to watch is Parallel Bars.

Which gymnast do you most admire?

My admiration for Igor Cassina has been longstanding since my childhood, and I had the great fortune to train with him. Another prominent gymnast who has inspired me is Nile Wilson, whose style I greatly admire. I would also like to acknowledge Aljaž Pegan, as his distinctive element has significantly enhanced the personality of my routine.

You’ve had a long career. What are the pros of being an “experienced” gymnast?

You know, as I keep going through life, I’ve figured out that I’m getting pretty good at dealing with tough times, including competitive situations.

And what are the cons?

On the contrary, my body is adversely affected by all the routines in training and in competitions, which can be taxing on the joints.

Which gymnastics competition do you have the best memory of?

The 2021 World Championship in Kitakyushu in Japan: I qualified for the Horizontal Bar final and competed whit the GOAT of world gymnastics Kōhei Uchimura and I did a wonderful routine with 14.966 score…I was in 4th, even if my score was the same* as bronze medalist Brody Malone‘s (I also want to say hi to Brody!). It’s an unforgettable memory.

*In World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, tie breaks in event finals are resolved based on the highest execution score. Both Carlo and Brody achieved a score of 14.966; however, Brody’s execution score surpassed Carlo’s by two-tenths, thereby securing him the bronze medal.

Which element are you most proud of?

Oh, definitely the Cassina and the Pegan!!! When I do the Pegan, most of the people watch me because it’s still so rare!

*The “Cassina” is named after Italian gymnast Igor Cassina and is a double salto backward in straight position with 1/1 twist over the bar and rated G in the 2025-2028 Code of Points. The “Pegan” is named after Slovenian gymnast Aljaž Pegan and is a salto forward in tuck position with 1/2 twist over the bar, also rated G.

If you could eliminate one of the six events, which one would it be?

Ha ha, great question! Honestly, I’d totally ditch the Still Rings because I just can’t seem to get the hang of them.

“To be first or last doesn’t matter. The most important thing is to bring out the best in yourself.”
Carlo Macchini

How do you overcome fears and mental blocks (if any)?

Looking back on my journey as a man, I think about the daily effort I invest, acknowledging both chill days and tougher ones. I see fear hanging around, and I accept it and express my gratitude, as it presents an opportunity for personal growth in confronting challenges.

Have you ever wanted to quit, and if so, what made you stay?

It happened, I just trusted the little voice inside me… We all have this voice and we just need to listen to it. The curiosity to discover my potential, coupled with the confidence in attaining my optimal self as both an man and a gymnast has consistently outweighed the discomfort associated with hard periods.

Who’s the funniest gymnast you know?

Probably Sofus Heggemsnes of Norway, I love how he salute the judges at the end of his routines!!

What do you like best about gymnastics?

My favorite thing about gymnastics is that it has taught me that if I want something, I have to go and take it, no one will provide me with anything without effort!

What do you dislike most about gymnastics?

The size of a team may frequently be insufficient*… I would like that gymnastics to be waaay more appealing to the audience.

*At the 2020 Olympics, teams were composed of four gymnasts; however, this number increased to five in 2024. In previous Olympic cycles, the composition of teams permitted as many as eight athletes; since 1950, teams have, on average, included six gymnasts.

What advice would you give to 15-year-old Carlo?

Ah..I could cry… “Keep going on your way!! Don’t listen to those who want you to fail, you’ll shine when your body and mind will be ready to shine! Maintain your trust in your dreams and diligently pursue them!”

Your next objective in artistic gymnastics?

I am eager to return to the international stage! Carlo Macchini hasn’t quit yet, I want to enjoy elite artistic gymnastics again! The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics are just four years away. I haven’t start a new year, I’ve started a new four-year period!! But I like to live this journey day by day, one small step at a time!

“The best is yet to come.”
Carlo Macchini

What do you want to do after you retire as a competing gymnast?

My biggest dream is to inspire young gymnasts to became their best version of themselves as gymnasts, but mostly as human beings.

Several gymnasts from different countries spoke up about the culture of abuse, mistreatment, and toxic environments. What’s your view about it?

I think that a specific “teaching” is needed for coaches, first of all on how to relate to athletes, then on how to become good coaches technically.

Carlo Macchini’s Life Lessons

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I think that happiness doesn’t come from external things, like wealth or specific occurrences, but rather emerges from within an individual. It depends on how we choose to see the world: whether we perceive it as a blessing or a burden. By cultivating inner peace and gratitude, we have the possibility to choose happiness, irrespective of our circumstances.

What is your greatest fear?

There are many unpleasant things in life, but I accept to embrace all that life presents to me everything without fear, as I place my trust in it.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I too often find myself arriving late… I don’t like when keep people waiting for me; but I committed to making improvements in this area!

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

I don’t like when others don’t respect me or my time.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Inspire people to follow their dreams, working hard on them, to make the world a better place!

“To be first or last doesn’t matter. The most important thing is to bring out the best in yourself.”
Carlo Macchini

When and where were you happiest?

Maybe when I was told that I would participate in the 2024 Olympic Games, because I knew all the effort it took me, and it also realized a dream I have held since childhood.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

When people fail to recognize the richness they are surrounded by, and they focus solely on their perceived deficiencies.

What is it that you most dislike?

When someone takes advantage of their power over someone weaker.

What is your greatest regret?

I have consistently endeavored to contribute my utmost capabilities, trying to learn from every failure, without regret. If I made a bad decision, I think that is why I wasn’t able to do better and I like to use that experience for the next time.

What would you do if you won 100 million dollars?

Wow, that’s a lot!! Maybe I would buy a car…but first I’d like to renovate my gym and make it super comfortable, a prime center for gymnastics, where athletes can strive to realize their fullest potential, each at their own pace and in their own manner.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I strive to maintain my composure during the storm. While I get through bad times, my goal is to stay calm and still be proud of myself and my demeanor.

How would you like to die?

Struck by lightning ⚡️

Carlo Macchini’s International Medal Record:

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