The Olympic legend, who has been a key figure within the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV), is relishing the opportunity to share her experience and knowledge with young Italian sailors in her role as Youth Technical Director.

Sensini's career has seen her compete in six Olympic Games, most notably winning the Mistral category at the 2000 Games in Sydney, a triumph that catapulted her to international fame and culminated in her final Olympic appearance at London 2012.

The Grosseto-born windsurfer knows first-hand what it takes to reach Olympic level sailing, and claims that the basic requirements to achieve these high standards have not changed significantly.

With the 2024 World Youth Sailing Championships set to take place on Lake Garda, Sensini believes the event on these familiar waters will help young talent reach their full potential. "It's something that can push you, that can motivate you to dream of the Olympic Games," said the 54-year-old technical director.

"Representing your nation is very different from representing your club; there's more pressure, but it's a good kind of pressure. You're there and it means you've earned it and you're going to do something good, regardless of the result - it's something you've lived through".

Over the past decade, Sensini has focused on refining Italian sailing talent, perfecting the details leading up to the crucial Youth Sailing World Championships each year.

On home waters, the four-time winners of the Nations Trophy during her tenure have received an added boost from senior sailors preparing for their Paris 2024 campaigns in less than two weeks' time.

Official ambassadors for the event include Sensini, Nicolo Renna, Ruggero Tita and Chiara Benini Floriani. Sensini believes that the support of these esteemed athletes can inspire the young competitors on Lake Garda this week.

"I hope I've been able to give something to this younger generation and I always do my best," said Sensini.

"As time goes by, you distance yourself from this generation, but in a way you have to be able to adapt your approach. These young sailors have the chance to see a lot of people who have gone before them and they need role models. When you have that here, it's a great opportunity.

The sport remains the same, Sensini adds, stressing that it requires considerable effort, sacrifice and unwavering determination. "The sport is always the same; you have to put in a lot of effort, sacrifice yourself to be strong and keep trying. Nothing is different," she concluded, delivering an inspiring message to future generations of athletes.

The 2024 Youth Sailing World Championships will be held on Lake Garda, nestled between the Alps and the Po Valley, approximately 25 km west of Verona and 27 km east of Brescia.

The Championships will conclude on Saturday 20 July with the athletes competing for glory on Italy's largest lake after seven days of competition in 11 different events.