Matteo Tanel, currently the most successful roller skier in Italy and three -time World Champion, became a father on February 6, 2026.

Tanel lives in Val Casis (South Tyrol, Italy) with his wife Teresa, whom he married two years ago, and his son Jan.

Even though Matteo doesn’t describe himself as an emotional person, he was very happy about the birth of his son.

“When I became a father, I understood what life is and what is really important in life,” he says in an exclusive interview with ProXCskiing.com.

Since February, quite a bit has changed in the life of the 33-year-old South Tyrolean. Now it’s not just a matter of commuting between training and work, it’s the family and the well-being of the child that is Tanel’s top priority. 

A few months ago, Matteo Tanel organized his day; now he must organize for the whole family.

“Balancing work, sport, and family is not always easy; you have to make some compromises, but it was our dream to have a family, and now we manage everything as a family, and we grow every day together.”

It is also thanks to Teresa that he can continue with his sport.

“The day is 24 hours, it used to be a lot, now there is always something to do from morning to evening”, says the roller ski champion.

Between diapers and baby bottles, Matteo always finds some time to prepare for the coming Roller Ski World Cup season.  He doesn’t feel 100% in shape for the upcoming season, but there’s still time until the highlight at the end of August and beginning of September.

Also Read: 2026 Roller Ski World Cup calendar out

The Italian actually wanted to end his career last year after his third trophy: “The fire for this sport is still burning,” and it was precisely this fire that motivated him to stick with it for another season.

His family will certainly accompany him to some of his competitions, especially the competitions in Italy.

“Jan will also see what his dad does when he is not at home.”

Maybe Tanel Junior will also develop a great passion for roller skiing.

“Roller skiing is a beautiful sport with great potential. Also, because of the snow and temperatures in winter, there is no longer any safety for winter sports,” Matteo adds.

Matteo would primarily like to thank his wife Teresa, who always supports him, the Italian national team, and Bruno Debertolis, Pro Team Director of Slavia Pojišťovna Robinson Trentino, for which he is eligible to compete.

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