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The curtain falls on 59th Settecolli
The fabulous Italian record by Sara Franceschi, the triplets by Thomas Ceccon and Simona Quadarella, the double by Luca De Tullio, the surprise from lane zero by Alberto Razzetti, and David Popovici's solo act make the final day of the 59th edition of the Sette Colli International Swimming Trophy fabulous.
FRANCESCHI CLOSES WITH A RECORD. The big bang comes as the curtain falls. The signature belongs to a Tuscan girl who has entered a new dimension for about a year now. Sara Franceschi wins the 200m individual medley with a fantastic Italian record. The 23-year-old from Livorno, representing Fiamme Gialle and Livorno Acquatics and bronze medalist in Rome 2022, swims in 2'09''30 (splits: 28''80, 33''30, 36''80, 30''40), erasing the 2'10''05 she set last April 15th in Riccione when she not only secured her spot for the Fukuoka World Championships but also lowered Ilaria Cusinato's 2018 record of 2'10''25. An sensational time that ranks ninth in the world this season and third in Europe. Alongside the Italian on the podium are the Dutch Marrit Steenbergen (2'09''51) and the English Katie Shanahan (2'10''93). "I got in the water with the intention of winning, and I did it. I had a very good feeling, and I managed to stay ahead of the Dutch swimmer despite her very good freestyle. I believe that the training and physical condition have always been there; what was missing was that extra mental step that I have been able to take in recent years," concludes Franceschi, who has always been coached by her father Stefano, unable to contain his emotions at the finish. "I want to finish the year according to my good intentions and then start the next one thinking about the third Olympics."
CECCON THE SUPERSTAR. He goes beyond physical conditions that cannot be optimal because he has already earned the champion's status and always behaves as such. Thomas Ceccon delivers a monstrous performance in the 50m butterfly and completes the Roman triple after his victories in the 50m and 100m backstroke. The European champion, representing Fiamme Oro and Leosport and coached by Alberto Burlina, flies in 22''84, which is his second best personal performance of the year, the seventh best in Europe ever, just five hundredths away from his Italian record of 22''79. He outclasses the competition that all swims above 22 seconds: second is the Hungarian Szebasztian Szabo in 23''13, and third is the Swiss Noè Ponti in 23''27. "I'm satisfied with the time, although I was hoping for something faster. It's a shame about the Italian record that I wanted to achieve. I'm learning to hang tough and deliver good races even when I'm not at my best. Now I have the last two weeks of intense training before the World Championships," says the phenomenon from Schio. "We're going to the World Championships with a great national team, and there are promising new talents behind us."
QUADARELLA WITH HEART. Simona Quadarella puts her heart beyond the obstacle as she gifts the home crowd with the awaited triplet. The queen of European middle-distance swimming once again outperforms the competition and, after claiming victory in the 800m and 1500m freestyle, she also triumphs in the 400m freestyle. The 24-year-old Roman, representing CC Aniene and coached by Christian Minotti, swims, without pushing too hard, in 4'05''85, overtaking Belgian Valentine Dumont in the last fifty meters, who finishes second in 4'06''27. Hungarian Ajna Kesely takes the third step of the podium in 4'06''41. Tired but smiling, SuperSimona at the finish says, "I had a lot of fun in this race. Considering that I came in very tired, it's a good time. I have a positive assessment of this Sette Colli meet; we needed to perform well to have good motivation for the World Championships. I try not to have negative thoughts about Fukuoka; I see that we are all very fit, but I will strive to confirm myself."
DE TULLIO'S DOUBLE. A superb double in the middle distance for Luca De Tullio. The 20-year-old from Puglia and brother of Marco, representing Fiamme Oro and CC Aniene, is the fastest in the 1500m, after also winning the 800m, with a personal best of 14'59''68 (previously 15'00''36). "I think I still have something to give in this distance in the future because I enjoy swimming it and, above all, progressing in the last 100 meters," says De Tullio, also coached by Minotti. "Going under 15 minutes was my main goal, and achieving it now and after yesterday's race makes me realize that I can still improve in this event. I couldn't be happier." Behind the young Puglian are two big names in European distance swimming: Irishman Daniel Wiffen in 15'02''51 and Frenchman Damien Joly in 15'03''61.
SURPRISE FROM LANE ZERO. He stayed hidden until the final day, then made a big splash just before sunset. Alberto Razzetti surprises the competition from lane zero, wins the 200m individual medley, and thrills the audience at the Stadio Del Nuoto, bringing back memories of last August when he won silver at the European Championships after triumphing in the double distance. The 24-year-old from Lavagna but based in Livorno, representing Fiamme Gialle and Genova Nuoto My Sport, finishes in 1'58''74. Behind the swimmer from Liguria are British swimmer Duncan Scott in 1'58''83 and Israeli swimmer Ron Polonsky in 2'00''04. "I'm extremely happy with the race, and I had a lot of fun. It's a bit strange to compete in lane zero, but I still had good sensations," says Razzetti. "I see an improvement in my transitions, and we'll try to continue on this path."
DAVID WINS AGAIN. Another solo act, another show in the pool that introduced him to the world when he won three golds and one silver at the European Juniors in 2021. King David Popovici claims the scalp in the 200m freestyle after his victory in the 100m. The Romanian, world champion and continental champion, sets a new meet record of 1'45''49 (previous record 1'46''39 by Kristof Milak in 2021) and achieves the sixth-best performance in the world this year. "Both my coach and I are satisfied. I think it was a well-structured race, but now I will try to aim for even more improvement," says Popovici. "I really enjoy swimming in this pool, and I wish similar facilities would be built in Romania. For now, I can only carry these great sensations with me. I have wonderful memories of last year's European Championships, but I don't want to stop at that; time passes, and we must always seek the best results." On the podium with the phenomenon from Bucharest are British swimmer Thomas Dean in 1'46''86 and Stefano Di Cola, performing well, representing Marina Militare and CC Aniene, followed by Claudio Rossetto, in 1'46''90, not far from his personal best (1'46''46). There are signs of a comeback from Italian record holder Filippo Megli (Carabinieri/RN Florentia) with a time of 1'47''47.
BACKSTROKE FROM SWITZERLAND AND CANADA. The 200m backstroke reflects what was seen in the morning session. Among the men, Swiss swimmer Roman Mityukov, bronze medalist at the 2021 Budapest European Championships, wins in 1'56''56, ahead of Japanese swimmer Hidekazu Takehara in 1'57''57 and Englishman Brodie Williams in 1'59''67. Kylie Masse is unstoppable and completes the backstroke triple, winning among the women after her victories in the 100m and 50m backstroke. The 26-year-old from Salle, an Olympic silver medalist, touches the wall in 2'08''91, followed by British swimmer Katie Shanahan in 2'09''69 and Japanese swimmer Rio Shirai in 2'10''23.
HUNGARIAN BUTTERFLY. A splendid performance in the 200m butterfly by Hungarian swimmer Boglarka Kapas, the reigning world champion at Gwangju 2019 and European champion at Glasgow 2018 and Budapest 2020, wins in 2'08''52. On the podium alongside the 30-year-old from Debrecen are British swimmer Laura Stephens in 2'09''32 and fellow Hungarian Dalma Sebestyen in 2'09''42. Ilaria Cusinato (Fiamme Oro/Team Veneto) finishes sixth in 2'09''82, paying the price, like many Italians, for a poor athletic condition.
TOP PERFORMANCE. The best performance of the 59th edition of the Settecolli Trophy belongs to Sarah Sjostrom with her time of 23''93 in the 50m freestyle. In second place is Siobhan Haughey's 1'54''77 in the 200m freestyle.
SETTECOLLI TROPHY. Italy claims the title with 76 points, followed by the Netherlands (58) and Great Britain (52). Twenty-one nations earn points.
Third day results
50 freestyle men
1. Sarah Sjostrom (Swe) 23''93
2. Michelle Coleman (Swe) 24''43
3. Anna Hopkin (Gbr) 24''62
200 backstroke men
1. Roman Mityukov (Sui) 1'56''56
2. Hidekazu Takehara (Jpn) 1'57''57
3. Brodie Williams (Gbr) 1'59''67
200 backstroke women
1. Kylie Masse (Can) 2'08''91
2. Katie Shanahan (Gbr) 2'09''69
3. Rio Shirai (Jpn) 2'10''23
50 butterfly men
1. Thomas Ceccon 22''84
2. Szebasztian Szabo (Hun) 23''13
3. Noé Ponti (Sui) 23''27
200 butterfly women
1. Boglarka Kapas (Hun) 2'08''52
2. Laura Stephens (Gbr) 2'09''32
3. Dalma Sebestyen (Hun) 2'09''42
200 breaststroke men
1. Arno Kamminga (Ned) 2'10''57
2. Erik Persson (Swe) 2'11''27
3. Luca Pizzini (Carabinieri/Fondazione Bentegodi) 2'11''42
200 breaststroke women
1. Tes Schouten (Ned) 2'21''84
2. Reona Aoki (Jpn) 2'23''84
3. Francesca Fangio (Esercito/In Sport Rane Rosse) 2'25''34
200 freestyle men
1. David Popovici (Rou) 1'45''49 rec. man. (precedente 1'46''39 di Kristof Milak del 2021)
2. Thomas Dean (Gbr) 1'46''86
3. Stefano Di Cola 1'46''90
400 freestyle women
1. Simona Quadarella 4'05''85
2. Valentine Dumont (Bel) 4'06''27
3. Ajna Kesely (Hun) 4'06''41
200 individual medley men
1. Alberto Razzetti 1'58''74
2. Duncan Scott (Gbr) 1'58''83
3. Ron Polonsky (Isr) 2'00''04
200 individual medley women
1. Sara Franceschi 2'09''30 RI (precedente 2'10''05 di Sara Franceschi del 15/04/2023 a Riccione)
2. Marrit Steenbergen (Ned) 2'09''51
3. Katie Shanahan (Gbr) 2'10''93
1500 freestyle men
1. Luca de Tullio (Ita) 14'59"68
2. Daniel Wiffen (Irl) 15'02"51
3. Damien Joly (Fra) 15'03"61
Photos by Giorgio Scala and Andrea Staccioli / DBM The use of photographs is allowed solely for registered publications for editorial purposes. It is mandatory to mention the credits.
Flash quotes day 3
Updating - Shown below the podium and flash quotes of the last day of the 59th edition of Sette Colli / International Swimming Trophy, taking place at the Swimming Stadium in Rome.
50 freestyle women
2. Michelle Coleman: "I'm very happy with my time and how the race went. I love Rome; this is my favorite competition, and I always come here with pleasure."
3. Anna Hopkin: "I didn't expect the third place, I'm thrilled. I had come close to it, so reaching it is amazing."
200 backstroke men
1. Roman Mityukov: "I'm very happy with the time I achieved after the training camp in Tenerife, especially with an eye on the World Championships."
3. Brodie Williams: "It went well, but the season is still ongoing, so I'll try to improve even more. However, I'm happy. Rome is a magnificent place. The pool is amazing, and the crowd is warm."
200 backstroke women
1. Kylie Masse: "I'm really tired after these three days. I'm very happy with the result and being here in Rome. I hope I can still manage to explore the city a little and try some traditional dishes."
2. Katie Shanahan: "I was hoping to go slightly faster, but there will be other opportunities to improve. I'm very satisfied with my race."
3. Rio Shirai: "I don't feel at my best, but I gave it my all. It was a good race."
50 butterfly men
1. Thomas Ceccon: "I'm satisfied with the time, although I was hoping for something faster. It's a shame about the Italian record that I wanted to achieve. I'm learning to push through and deliver good performances even when I'm not at my best. Now I have the final two weeks of intense training before the World Championships. I believe that as a national team, we're not in the best condition, but we hope to defend the results achieved so far and rely on the support of the new generation."
2. Szebasztian Szabo: "It was a pretty decent time, I'm pretty satisfied of it. Actually on competition like this one I don't mind my time or my position it just feels good to come here to race with the best of them to be able to stand up on the blocks next to the fastest swimmers in the world and just see where I am how I perform doing my best".
3. Noé Ponti: "The race went well. I will analyze the performance further, but I'm satisfied."
200 butterfly women
1. Boglarka Kapas: "I'm very happy with the result and how the race went. This is one of my favorite stadiums. I love Rome."
2. Laura Kathleen Stephens: "I'm really happy to have competed here and achieved the result, which is winning the silver medal in a special place like Rome."
3. Dalma Sebestyen: "I'm doing well. I'm happy with the result, and competing here in Rome is magical. The city is beautiful."
200 breaststroke men
1. Arno Kamminga: "The race went very well, it's always nice to win in Rome. It wasn't easy because there were very strong opponents, but it's great to win the last competition before the World Championships."
2. Erik Persson: "It was a good race, the last one before World Champs. I was feeling not in the best shape but hopefully in a few weeks I will feel much better in the water. It was a close one, I really like to compete here, hope to come back soon".
3. Luca Pizzini: "I had fun. It has been a peculiar year with various injuries and family choices, but it is always nice to compete here."
200 breaststroke women
1. Tes Schouten: "I love Rome and competing under the sun in this pool. Being able to achieve these performances here gives me good hope for the World Championships. I have never swum in a World Championship final before, and I hope to improve my personal best several times and eat a lot of sushi."
3. Francesca Fangio: "I am satisfied because I changed coach a few months ago, so already being able to perform better than in the national championships is a great achievement."
200 freestyle men
1. David Popovici: "Both my coach and I are satisfied. I think it was a well-structured race, but now I’ll try to find the perfect one. I really enjoy swimming in this pool, I wish facilities like this were built in Romania as well, for now I can only take home these good feelings. I have wonderful memories of last-year Europeans, but I don't want to get stuck on those: time goes on and you always have to look for the best result".
2. Thomas Dean: "I feel good, it was a good race. We all went very fast. To swim this time in June is very good. I'm very tired."
3. Stefano Di Cola: "The race went pretty well. Popovici is on another level, but I tried to stay as close to him as possible."
400 freestyle women
1. Simona Quadarella: "I had a lot of fun in this race. Considering that I was very tired, it's a good time. I have a positive overall assessment of this Settecolli, as we needed to perform well to have good motivation for the World Championships. I try not to have negative thoughts about Fukuoka; I see that we are all very trained, but I will strive to confirm my performance."
2. Valentine Dumont: "I'm very happy with the time, I improved my personal best by 2 seconds; I really like Rome, it's my favorite city."
3. Ajna Kesely: "I am very happy with this position. It was challenging to compete with Quadarella. I hoped to do a little better, but I am still happy because I had a good race yesterday as well."
200 individual medley men
1. Alberto Razzetti: "I am extremely happy with the race, and I had a lot of fun. It's a bit strange to compete in lane 0, but I still had good sensations. I see an improvement in my turns, and we will try to continue on this path."
2. Duncan W Scott: "I think it was a very tough race, but I'm happy. Coming back here to Rome is always exciting."
3. Ron Polonsky: "It was a good race, better than this morning. It was a tough challenge, not difficult, but at the same time not easy either. I really enjoy swimming here in Rome, the city is beautiful, and the atmosphere is great."
200 individual medley women
1. Sara Franceschi: "I got into the water with the intention to win, and I did it. I had very good sensations, and I managed to stay ahead of the Dutch swimmer despite her strong freestyle. I believe that the training and physical condition have always been there; what was missing was that extra mental step, which I have been able to achieve in recent years. I want to finish the year according to my good intentions and then start the next one with the goal of aiming for my third Olympics."
2. Marrit Steenbergen: "I felt tired before the race. But 2'09"51 is a good time. I'm happy with how I competed this year."
3. Katie Shanahan: "I'm very happy with the race and my time. I love Rome and swimming at the Stadio del Nuoto."
1500 freestyle men
1. Luca De Tullio: "I think I still have something to offer in this distance in the future because I enjoy swimming it, and especially making progress in the last 100. Going under 15 minutes was my main goal, and achieving it now and after yesterday makes me realize that I can still improve in this race. I couldn't be happier."
2. Daniel Wiffen: "The race went very well, I was hoping to go a bit faster but in the end, it was a very intense week with tough training sessions. I'm happy."
3. Damien Joly: "It's always nice to swim in Rome and in this pool. It was good race with Wiffen and Di Tullio so happy for the time in the last race before World Championship. Bettre than 800m yesterday".
Photos by Giorgio Scala and Andrea Staccioli / DBM The use of photographs is allowed solely for registered publications for editorial purposes. It is mandatory to mention the credits.
Heats day 3. Everything is ready for the grand finale
The emotions are not over yet and continue with the final session of heats of the 59th edition of the International Swimming Championships - Sette Colli Trophy.
The 50m freestyle opens the morning session. The fastest is Sarah Sjostrom, who, after winning the 50m butterfly on the first day and finishing second in the 100m freestyle, is aiming for a double in Rome. The Swedish champion - with ninety medals from Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships - swims in 24"31, forty-four hundredths ahead of compatriot Michelle Coleman, who follows in 24"75. Swiss swimmer Roman Mityukov leads the 200m backstroke in 1'58"31. Fifth is a surprising Dylan Buonaguro. The 20-year-old from Tolmezzo, affiliated with Fondazione Bentegodi and coached by Emiliano Brembilla, finishes in 2'01"47, one second off his personal best. Only sixteenth is Matteo Restivo (Carabinieri/RN Florentia), who is finalizing his preparation for the World Championships in Fukuoka, where he qualified with a time of 1'56"96 at the Italian Absolute Championships in Riccione. The 28-year-old from Udine, now based in Florence and the Italian record holder (1'56"29), does not go beyond 2'04"23.
In the women's 200m backstroke, without European champion Margherita Panziera, thirty-three hundredths separate Rio Shirai and Kylie Masse as she chase a triple after their victories in the 50m and 100m backstroke. The 23-year-old Japanese swimmer clocks in at 2'11"44, while the 26-year-old from Salle finishes in 2'11"77. Among the top ten are Federica Toma from Apulia (Carabinieri/In Sport Rane Rosse), seventh in 2'13"16, and Martina Cenci from Rome (Fiamme Oro/Aurelia), eighth in 2'13"71, seeking a comeback after an exceptional junior career.
A bit tired but still on point, Thomas Ceccon is the fastest in the 50m butterfly, already victorious in the 50m and 100m backstroke. The Italian record holder (22"79) and European champion - affiliated with Fiamme Oro and Leosport and coached by Alberto Burlina - finishes in 23.40, three hundredths ahead of German Luca Armbruster (23"43) and four hundredths ahead of Hungarian Szebasztian Szabo (23"44).
Two British swimmers are leading after the heats of the 200m butterfly. Emily Large and Laura Stephens clock times of 2'09"72 and 2'09"97, respectively. Ninth is Ilaria Cusinato (Fiamme Oro/Team Veneto) in 2'11"69.
An unexpected Italian presence shines in the women's 200m breaststroke because the best time is set by Dutch swimmer Arno Kamminga in 2'11"34. But behind the Dutch talent and vice champion is a resurgent Alessandro Fusco. The talented 23-year-old from Alessandria, affiliated with Fiamme Gialle and CC Aniene and coached by Mirko Nozzolillo, records an excellent time of 2'12"91. Fourth is Luca Pizzini (Carabinieri/Fondazione Bentegodi) in 2'13"27, with a Dutch swimmer leading among the females. Tes Schouten seems to leave no room for competition and clocks a superb time of 2'22"62. Nevertheless, Martina Carraro (Fiamme Azzurre/NC Azzurra 91) performs well with the third best time of 2'27"69.
Filippo Megli finally shines again - affiliated with the Carabinieri and RN Florentia, coached by Paolo Palchetti - as he records the fastest time in the 200m freestyle. The 25-year-old from Giglio and Italian record holder with 1'45"67, achieved at the World Championships in Gwangju, swims in 1'47"21. Stefano Di Cola (Marina Militare/CC Aniene) finishes behind him in 1'47"51. Fourth is Romanian phenomenon David Popovici in 1'47"99, followed by Matteo Ciampi (Esercito/Livorno Aquatics) in 1'48"09, and Gabriele Detti (Esercito/In Sport Rane Rosse) in 1'48"17.
Simona Quadarella is also aiming for a triple as she already leads the 400m freestyle in the morning. The queen of European middle-distance swimming - affiliated with CC Aniene and coached by Christian Minotti - effortlessly swims in 4'10"78, the only one to go under 4'11. Behind the 24-year-old from Rome is Hungarian Ajna Kesely in 4'11"14.
Closing the heats are the 200m individual medley. Among the men, the fastest is British swimmer Duncan Scott in 2'00"67, with Alberto Razzetti (Fiamme Gialle/Genova Nuoto My Sport) in 2'03"63. Among the women, Dutch swimmer Marrit Steenbergen leads in 2'13"08. Sara Franceschi (Fiamme Gialle/Livorno Aquatics) is sixth in 2'14"99, followed closely by Costanza Cocconcelli (Fiamme Azzurre/NC Azzurra 91) in 2'15"21.
Heats Day 3 Results
50 freestlye women
1. Sarah Sjostrom (Swe) 24''31
200 backstroke men
1. Roman Mytiukov (Sui) 1'58''31
200 backstroke women
1. Rio Shiari (Jpn) 2'11''44
50 butterfly men
1. Thomas Ceccon 23''40
200 butterfly women
1. Emily Large (Gbr) 2'09''72
200 breaststroke men
1. Arno Kamminga (Ned) 2'11''34
200 breaststroke women
1. Tes Schouten (Ned) 2'22''62
200 freestyle men
1. Filippo Megli (Ita)
400 freestyle women
1. Simona Quadarella (Ita) 4'10''78
200 individual medley men
1. Duncan Scott (Gbr) 2'00''67
200 individual medley women
1. Marrit Steenbergen (Ned) 2'13''08
Photos by Giorgio Scala and Andrea Staccioli / DBM The use of photographs is allowed solely for registered publications for editorial purposes. It is mandatory to mention the credits.
Report day 2. A thrilling show
Packed stands and high enthusiasm marked the second day of the 59th edition of the Sette Colli International Swimming Trophy, taking place in Rome until Sunday, June 25th.
UNSTOPPABLE THOMAS. A born sprinter, a confirmed superstar with no limits. Thomas Ceccon, despite not being in top form, repeats his success and adds another title to his name after winning the 100m backstroke on the opening day. As he exits the water, he greets the audience like a gladiator, being their undisputed idol. The vice-European champion, Italian record holder (24.40), member of Fiamme Oro and Leosport, reigning world and continental champion in both backstroke distances, swims smoothly in 24.69, securing the sixth best European performance of the year. The towering Venetian athlete finishes ahead of Apostolos Christou from Greece, who won gold in Rome 2022, with a time of 24.92, and Andrei Anghel from Romania in 24.98. "I'm happy with my time. I didn't expect to swim this fast, but I felt good and followed my usual progression in the race," says Alberto Burlina's protégé. "I'm satisfied with these two races. The 50m backstroke remains the most challenging, but we're working on it."
THE "CONTE" CARINI STRIKES. Nicknamed "Il Conte" (The Count) for his mannerisms and old-fashioned look, he once again displayed his class in the pool. The 59th Sette Colli Trophy saw Giacomo Carini deliver an outstanding performance, finishing second in the 200m butterfly. The 25-year-old athlete from Piacenza, representing Fiamme Gialle and Can. Vittorino da Feltre, touched the wall in 1:55.72 (with a superb split time of 54.35 at the 100m mark), not far from his personal best of 1:55.17. The only one ahead of him was Noé Ponti from Switzerland, who won the 100m butterfly the previous day. The 21-year-old Swiss athlete from Locarno, silver medalist in the 100m butterfly at Rome 2022 and bronze medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, finished in 1:55.39. Richard Marton from Hungary claimed the third spot on the podium with a time of 1:57.10. "I felt better this afternoon compared to the morning. I tried to manage the race well," highlights Carini, a Law graduate and future lawyer. "The sensations were great, and I believe I had a good race."
QUADARELLA UNMATCHED. Another final, another victory in front of her home crowd for Simona Quadarella. The queen of European middle-distance swimming, after dominating the 1500m on Friday, repeats her success in the 800m freestyle. The reigning continental champion, Olympic bronze medalist, and current world champion - representing CC Aniene and coached by Christian Minotti - leaves no room for competition and finishes in 8'22''04, ahead of Hungarian Ajna Kesely (8'26''04) and a highly skilled Noemi Cesarano (Time Limit) in 8'33''19. "At Settecolli, I always give my all in the 1500m, and then in the 800m the following day, I always feel tired," explains SuperSimona. "However, I feel that I have more experience, which helps me manage the more intense periods. Tomorrow I will swim the 400m, and then I will start focusing only on the World Championships."
SARA AND RAZZO'S MEDLEY. Growing more confident in their abilities and aware of stepping into a new dimension, both Sara Franceschi and Alberto Razzetti showcased their talent. Sara, calm and composed in the heats, finished second in the 400m individual medley with an excellent time, only surpassed by the newly turned 18-year-old British swimmer Katie Shanahan in 4:36.92. The 23-year-old Livorno native, representing Fiamme Gialle and Livorno Acquatics, accompanied by her father Stefano and fourth-place finisher at the 2022 European Championships in Rome, achieved a personal best time of 4:37.37, the third best performance of her career. Her personal best stands at 4:35.98, set on April 13th at the Italian Absolute Championships in Riccione, which earned her a ticket to the Fukuoka World Championships. With a smile on her face, the Tuscan medley specialist, who won bronze in the 200m individual medley at Rome 2022, says after the race, "I'm happy to have swum below the qualifying time once again. Coming from three weeks of high-altitude training, I felt quite calm and wanted to perform well. After the positive confirmations in recent years, I can say I feel more secure and aware."
Alberto Razzetti, always performing well, also finished second in the 400m individual medley. Training alongside Franceschi and recently joined by Welsh swimmer Max Litchfield, Razzetti completed the race in 4:13.58. The 23-year-old athlete from Genoa, defending continental champion, representing Fiamme Gialle and Genova Nuoto My Sport, states, "I'm extremely happy that Max Litchfield came to train with me this year. Racing with him is always fun and a great challenge. I'm not at 100% yet, but achieving this time at this point is already a positive sign that gives me confidence for the World Championships."
MIRESSI CLOSE BEHIND KING DAVID. In this pool, Alessandro Miressi excels and always manages to give his best. The world record holder in the 100m freestyle (46.86), David Popovici, undisputed king of the event, triumphs with a new meet record of 48.10. The reigning world and European champion shaves off Thomas Ceccon's 2021 record of 48.14. Alessandro Miressi, the 24-year-old athlete from Piedmont, Italian record holder (47.45), representing Fiamme Oro and CN Torino, coached by Antonio Satta, and bronze medalist in Rome 2022, touches the wall in 48.27, just one hundredth of a second ahead of third-place finisher Matthew Richards from England. "I'm satisfied with my performance, although I'm not in top shape," explains the Sabaudian sprinter. "The real competition will be in a month, and I'll continue working to return to my best form."
IN THE TRADITIONAL PATH. Italian breaststroke continues to produce exceptional talents, and the youngest one to shine is Anita Bottazzo. She surprises everyone, including her coach Cesare Casella, as she finishes second in the 50m breaststroke, only behind Lithuanian superstar Ruta Meilutyte, who touched the wall in 29.79. The 19-year-old swimmer from Treviso, representing Fiamme Gialle and Imolanuoto, sets a new personal best time of 30.23, improving upon her morning heat time of 30.33, which had already surpassed her previous best of 30.69 set last March in Florence. "I tried to improve from the heats, and I'm happy with what I achieved," says Bottazzo. "Just like this morning, I tried to keep up with Ruta, but then I couldn't see her anymore." Mona McSharry from Ireland completes the podium with a time of 30.59.
SWEDISH BUTTERFLY. The women's 100m butterfly final, which opens the evening session in Rome, features top-level competition, won by Louise Hansson from Sweden. The reigning European champion finishes in 57.25, securing the third best European performance of the year. Joining her on the podium are Angelina Koehler from Germany in 57.65 and Anna Ntountounaki from Greece in 57.75. Giulia D'Innocenzo from Rome (Carabinieri/CC Aniene) performs excellently, setting a personal best time of 58.61 to finish fourth. The 20-year-old athlete, trained by Sandro Signori, improves upon her time of 58.84 set twenty days ago, and now ranks fourth among Italian performers—a remarkable achievement for Italy's undisputed swimming talent, although she generally feels more comfortable in the backstroke.
HAUGHEY SETS A RECORD. The women's 100m freestyle provides intense excitement, excellent times, and a luxurious podium. The runner-up of the Olympic Games, Siobhan Haughey, claims victory in the marquee event. The 24-year-old swimmer from Hong Kong, who won gold in short course swimming, flies to a meet record time of 52.64, erasing Pernille Blume's 2018 record of 52.72. Sarah Sjostrom from Sweden, who has accumulated ninety medals in the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships, finishes second with a time of 53.05, followed by Marrit Steenbergen from the Netherlands in 53.49.
CANADIAN BACKSTROKE ONCE AGAIN. The Stadio del Nuoto also showcases the talent of Canadian Kylie Masse, who secures a double victory by winning the 100m backstroke after her success in the 50m backstroke on Friday. The 26-year-old athlete from Salle, an Olympic silver medalist, touches the wall in 59.73, a mere three hundredths of a second ahead of British swimmer Lauren Cox, who finishes second in 59.79. Kira Toussaint from the Netherlands claims third place with a time of 1:00.33.
QUADARELLA UNMATCHED. Simona Quadarella continues her dominance with yet another victory in front of her home crowd. The undisputed queen of European middle-distance swimming, following her impressive performance in the 1500m on Friday, once again emerges triumphant in the 800m freestyle event. As the reigning continental champion, Olympic bronze medalist, and current world champion, representing CC Aniene and guided by coach Christian Minotti, Quadarella leaves her competitors no chance as she finishes with a time of 8'22''04. She secures first place, surpassing Hungarian swimmer Ajna Kesely (8'26''04) and the highly talented Noemi Cesarano (Time Limit) who finishes with a time of 8'33''19. Reflecting on her performance, SuperSimona explains, "During Settecolli, I always give my all in the 1500m, and subsequently, in the 800m the following day, I often feel fatigued. Nevertheless, my increased experience allows me to manage these intense periods better. Tomorrow, I will compete in the 400m, and from there, my focus will shift solely to the World Championships."
Second day results
100 butterfly women
1. Louisse Hansson (Swe) 57''25
2. Angelina Koehler (Ger) 57''65
3. Anna Ntountounaki (Ger) 57''75
200 butterfly men
1. Noè Ponti (Sui) 1'55''39
2. Giacomo Carini 1'55''72
3. Richard Marton (Hun) 1'57''10
100 backstroke women
1. Kylie Masse (Can) 59''73
2. Lauren Cox (Gbr) 59''79
3. Kira Toussaint (Ned) 1'00''33
50 backstroke men
1. Thomas Ceccon 24''69
2. Apostolos Christou (Gre) 24''92
3. Andrei Anghel (Rou) 24''98
400 individual medley women
1. Katie Shanahan (Gbr) 4'36''92
2. Sara Franceschi (Ita) 4'37''37
3. Freya Colbert (Gbr) 4'38''56
400individual medley men
1. Max Litchfield (Gbr) 4'11''36
2. Alberto Razzetti 4'13''58
3. Gabor Zombori (Hun) 4'15''73
100 freestyle women
1. Haughey Shioban (Hkg) 52''64 rec. competition (previous 52''72 - Pernille Blume 2018)
2. Sarah Sjostrom (Swe) 53''05
3. Marrit Steenbergen (Ned) 53''49
100 freestyle men
1. David Popovici (Rou) 48''10 rec. competition (previous 48''14 - Thomas Ceccon 2021)
2. Alessandro Miressi 48''27
3. Matthesw Richards (Gbr) 48''28
50 breaststroke women
1. Ruta Meilutyte (Ltu) 29''79
2. Anita Bottazzo (Fiamme Gialle/Imolanuoto) 30''23
3. Mona McSharry (Irl) 30''59
50 breaststroke men
1. Simone Cerasuolo (Ita) 26''76
2. Nicolò Martinenghi (Ita) 26''90
3. Ludovico Viberti (Ita) 27''31
800 freestyle women
1. Simona Quadarella (Ita) 8'22"04
2. Ajna Kesely (Hun) 8'26"04
3. Noemi Cesarano (Ita) 8'33"19
800 freestyle men
1. Luca de Tullia (Ita) 7'47"63
2. Daniel Wiffen (Irl) 7'50"64
3. Carlos Garach Benito (Esp) 7'53"88
Photos by Giorgio Scala and Andrea Staccioli / DBM The use of photographs is allowed solely for registered publications for editorial purposes. It is mandatory to mention the credits.
Flash quotes day 2
Shown below the podium and flash quotes of the second day of the 59th edition of Sette Colli / International Swimming Trophy, taking place at the Swimming Stadium in Rome.
100 butterfly women
1. Louise Hansson: "It wasn't an easy race, but I'm very satisfied with my result. I feel good physically, and I'm happy."
2. Angelina Koehler: "Second day, second podium. I feel great. Swimming in Rome brings me luck. I didn't think I could go under 58 seconds."
3. Anna Ntountounaki: "I am very happy with the result, I didn't expect it because I was struggling. The past two years have been challenging, so I am thrilled that this result comes during the preparation for the Fukuoka World Championships."
200 butterfly men
1. Noè Ponti: "Competing here is always beautiful. I am very satisfied with my time and my performance."
2. Giacomo Carini: "This afternoon I felt better compared to this morning, I tried to manage the race well. The sensations were excellent, and I think I had a good performance."
3. Richard Marton: "I'm not entirely satisfied with my time, this morning went better. This is my first time in Rome, but I really like it."
100 backstroke women
1. Kylie Masse: "I didn't do great even though I improved stroke after stroke. Competing here in Italy is always special, especially in a city like Rome."
2. Lauren Cox: "I'm very happy to have started competing outdoors. I'm pleased with the result and my time."
3. Kira Toussaint: "I just moved to training in spain, I have been training together Kylie Masse since January, so I'm adjusting to everything new: new language, new country, new training and I'm slowly improving in every race, so im very happy with that. This competition in this pool with this fans is awesome, i just love it and I'm always really excited to compete in Rome".
50 backstroke men
1. Thomas Ceccon: "I had a good performance, and I'm happy with the time. I didn't expect to go so fast, but I felt good, and I made my usual progress during the race. I'm satisfied with these two races. The 50-meter event remains the most challenging, but we are working on it."
2. Apostolos Christou: "It was a great race, challenging and highly competitive. It was a valuable experience before the World Championships in Japan. It's a pleasure to be here in Rome."
3. Andrei-Mircea Anghel: "It was a good race, very close to my personal best. We are still preparing for Fukuoka so I'm really happy for this result. I hoped that I would win this race but Ceccon and Christou have more experience than me, also they are very good athletes. I really like to race at Settecolli, this is a very fast pool".
400 individual medley women
1. Katie Shanahan: "I'm very happy with my performance, I didn't expect it at all. With this race, my season comes to an end."
2. Sara Franceschi: "I'm happy to have managed to swim under the time limit again. Coming from three weeks of high-altitude training, I felt quite calm and wanted to perform well. After the positive confirmations of the past years, I can say that I feel more confident and aware."
3. Freya Colbert: "I feel physically very tired. I come to Rome because I love this city, and competing here is always fantastic."
400 individual medley men
1. Max Robert Litchfield: "I'm very happy with the race. I took a period of relaxation before this event, so being able to achieve this time was satisfying. Alberto Razzetti is not only a competitor but also a great friend since we shared the experience of the ISL. I have to thank him and Stefano Franceschi for welcoming me in the recent period."
2. Alberto Razzetti: "I am extremely happy that Max Litchfield came to train with me this year. Competing with him is always fun and a great challenge. I am not at 100%, but achieving this time at this stage is already a positive sign that gives me confidence for the World Championships."
3. Gabor Zombori: "It went very well, I had Razzetti close to me, and I had to keep up with his pace. I was in Rome for the European Championships last year, and it was extraordinary."
100 freestyle women
1. Siobhan Haughey: "I spent some great months of training before Settecolli and it’s my first time here, I’m really enjoying it! I’m looking forward the World Champs, they will be very competitive races, above all mine, but I’m also very excited because they are very close now. We’ll see".
3. Marrit Steenbergen: "I'm very happy to be back in Rome. I'm very satisfied with the time and also the result. I think it was a good race."
100 freestyle men
1. David Popovici: "I work to improve more and more and to reach the World Championships by taking care of every detail. Where there is a race to be done, I am always happy to be there: if someone is better than me, I will be there to congratulate them."
2. Alessandro Miressi: "I'm satisfied with the performance. However, the real race will be in a month, and I will continue to work to get back to my best standards."
3. Matthew Richards: "The race went very well, I trained hard to get to this event. I'm very happy that it's going as we hoped. The World Championships are coming up soon, so we need to keep training in that direction."
50 breaststroke women
1. Ruta Meilutyte: "It was a nice race, Im happy. I was feeling pretty good and positive. It's always a pleasure to race in Rome in this beautiful pool by the pine trees and with this beautiful weather. Beautiful time over here".
2. Anita Bottazzo: "I tried to improve compared to the heats, and I'm happy with what I did. Like this morning, I tried to keep up with Ruta, but as always, she pulls away. Competing against an athlete of this caliber is always great."
3. Mona Mc Sharry: "I'm satisfied with my performance and the result. Rome is a wonderful city, and competing here is always beautiful."
50 breaststroke men
1. Simone Cerasuolo: "I am very happy and to have recorded my personal best. I know I can do even better, although this was a special race. Today, all eyes were on Fabio: those who have trained with him know how much love he puts into this sport."
2. Nicolò Martinenghi: "I am satisfied. Being the heir of Fabio Scozzoli is an honor. I started my national team journey with him, and being by his side for his last race is emotional."
3. Ludovico Blu Art Viberti: "I'm very happy, it was a nerve-wracking race, there were a lot of emotions for Fabio Scozzoli since it was his last race. We all felt it. The goal today was the podium, and I'm content."
800 freestyle women
1. Simona Quadarella: "Today was tougher. At Settecolli, I always give my all in the 1500, and then I feel the fatigue in the 800 the next day. However, I feel that I have more experience, which helps me manage the more intense periods. Tomorrow I will swim the 400, and then I will start thinking only about the World Championships."
3. Noemi Cesarano: "I am very happy with how the race went and also with the time I recorded."
800 freestyle men
1. Luca De Tullio: "I finally executed a perfect race strategy, I felt great. Beyond the physical sensations, competing here with this audience is always extraordinary. I managed to focus on my own race without looking at the competitors, and it turned out perfectly. This victory means a lot to me because it was the last thing I expected."
2. Daniel Wiffen: "I'm very happy with my time and the race. This is my first time here in Italy, but I already love it."
3. Carlos Garach Benito: "I didn't feel at my best today because I arrived here in mid-June and had little time to prepare properly, but nevertheless, I'm satisfied."
Photos by Giorgio Scala and Andrea Staccioli / DBM The use of photographs is allowed solely for registered publications for editorial purposes. It is mandatory to mention the credits.
Heats day 2. Stars in great shape at the Swimming Stadium
Exciting prospects and thrilling emotions await as the second day of the 59th edition of the Sette Colli International Swimming Trophy approaches, scheduled to take place until Sunday, June 25th.
Opening with the 100 butterfly. The best time (57"61) is held by Swedish swimmer and European gold medalist from Rome 2022, Louise Hansson, who finished third in the 50 yesterday. However, the initiative of the young and talented Roman swimmer Giulia D'Innocenzo is noteworthy. She is typically more comfortable in backstroke but managed to achieve the fourth-best time. The 20-year-old athlete from Rome, who represents the Carabinieri and CC Aniene clubs and is coached by Sandro Signori, clocked in at 58"87 seconds, just four hundredths of a second away from her personal best of 58"84 seconds set twenty days ago. Also qualifying for the final are Viola Scotto Di Carlo (Napoli Nuoto), finishing fifth in 59"10 seconds, and Ilaria Bianchi (Fiamme Azzurre/NC Azzurra 91), finishing seventh in 59"32 seconds.Noè Ponti, yesterday's winner in the 100, is the fastest in the 200 butterfly. The 21-year-old Swiss swimmer from Locarno, who won silver in the 100 at the European Championships in Rome 2022 and bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, touched the wall in 1'58"31. Following closely behind the Swiss champion is Giacomo Carini. The 25-year-old athlete from Piacenza, representing Fiamme Gialle and Can. Vittorino da Feltre, coached by Matteo Giunta and holding a law degree, finished with a time of 1'58"41. Claudio Antonio Faraci (CC Aniene) achieved an excellent fourth place with a time of 1'58"62.Kylie Masse dominates the 100 backstroke, being the only one to swim under one minute in the morning session. The 26-year-old athlete from Salle, who won a silver medal at the Olympics, finished in 59"94 seconds and is aiming for another victory after her success in the 50. Behind the North American swimmer are British swimmers Medi Harris (1'00"40) and Lauren Cox (1'00"50).Moving on to the 50 backstroke. Thomas Ceccon sets the fastest time, leaving everyone in anticipation for yet another evening of his outstanding performances. The European runner-up and Italian record holder (24"40 seconds), representing Fiamme Oro and Leosport, coached by Alberto Burlina, who is a former world record holder and champion in both short and long course, comfortably swam in 25"02 seconds. Simone Stefanì from Puglia (Fiamme Oro/Time Limit) finished third in 25"31.Next up were the 400 individual medley. Leading the pack is the young British swimmer Freya Colbert, who just turned 18, with a time of 4'41"51. In second place is Anna Pirovano (Fiamme Azzurre/In Sport Rane Rosse) in 4'43"14, followed by Northern Irish swimmer Katie Shanahan in 4'43"47. Sara Franceschi (Fiamme Gialle/Livorno Acquatics) easily qualifies for the final, finishing fourth in 4'43"65, despite not being in peak physical condition and focusing on her preparation for the Fukuoka World Championships, for which she is already qualified. Among the men, Max Litchfield, another British swimmer, finishes first with a time of 4'16"30.Moving on to the 100 freestyle. The world record holder (51"71), Sarah Sjostrom, dominates the event. The Swedish champion, with an impressive collection of 90 medals from Olympics, Europeans, and World Championships, finishes in 53"43, ahead of British swimmer Anna Hopkin in 54"15 and Siobhan Haughey from Hong Kong in 54"17. The fastest time among the men is set by the emerging star David Popovici. The Romanian sensation, a world and European champion, swims in 48"35, just one hundredth of a second ahead of English swimmer Matthew Richards, who finishes second in 48"36. Good performances also come from Alessandro Miressi (Fiamme Oro/CN Torino), finishing third in 48"53, and Manuel Frigo (Fiamme Oro/Team Veneto), finishing fourth in 48"84.
The 50-meter breaststroke events conclude the second session of heats with a bang. Italian record holder (26.33 seconds), Nicolo Martinenghi, is the fastest. The European champion and world runner-up, representing CC Aniene and coached by Marco Pedoja, touches the wall in 26.76 seconds. However, he is closely pursued by an outstanding performance from Simone Cerasuolo, who finishes second in 26.81 seconds, setting a new Italian cadet record. The 21-year-old from Imola, affiliated with Fiamme Oro and Imolanuoto, trained by Cesare Casella, and the continental silver medalist in Rome 2022 just behind Martinenghi, erases "Tete"'s 2019 record of 26.85 seconds at Settecolli, lowering his personal best by four hundredths of a second. Ludovico Viberti (CN Torino) takes third place with a personal best of 27.02 seconds (previously 27.41 seconds), followed by Alessandro Pinzuti (Esercito/In Sport Rane Rosse) in fourth place with a time of 27.34 seconds, and the Italian team captain Fabio Scozzoli (Esercito/Imolanuoto) in fifth place, bidding farewell to competitions this afternoon, with a time of 27.36 seconds.
Among the women, Lithuanian world champion Ruta Meilutyte roars with a time of 30.02 seconds, setting the best time. However, emerging talent Anita Bottazzo shines behind her. The 21-year-old from Romagna, affiliated with Fiamme Gialle and Imolanuoto, swims a personal best of 30.33 seconds, erasing her previous record of 30.69 seconds set on March 18th at the "Città di Firenze" meet, propelling her to fourth place among Italian performers. Lisa Angiolini (Carabinieri/Virtus Buonconvento) also performs well, finishing fifth with a time of 30.72 seconds, followed by Arianna Castiglioni (Fiamme Gialle/Team Insubrika) in sixth place with a time of 30.90 seconds.
Heats Day 2. Results
100 butterfly women
1. Louise Hansson (Swe) 57''61
200 butterfly men
1. Noe Ponti (Sui) 1'58''31
100 backstroke women
1. Kylie Masse (Can) 59''94
50 backstroke men
1. Thomas Ceccon (Ita) 25''02
400 individual medley women
1. Freya Colbert (Gbr) 4'41''51
400 individual medley men
1. Max Litchfield (Gbr) 4'16''30
100 freestyle women
1. Sarah Sjostrom (Swe) 53''43
100 freestyle men
1. David Popovici (Rou) 48''35
50 breaststroke women
1. Ruta Meilutye (Ltu) 30"03
50 breaststroke men
1. Nicolò Martinenghi (Ita) 26"76
800 freestyle women
1. Emma Vittoria Giannelli (Ita) 8'45"20
800 freestyle men
1. Hoang Huy Nguyen (Vie) 7'58"71
Photos by Giorgio Scala and Andrea Staccioli / DBM The use of the photographs is permitted solely and exclusively for registered editorial publications. It is mandatory to credit the photographers.
Report day 1. The stars shine at the Swimming Stadium
The 59th Settecolli immediately puts on a show.. Simona Quadarella, the home champion, wins in the 1500, Marco De Tullio in the 400 freestyle, and Thomas Ceccon, who sets a new event record, in the 100 backstroke. Nicolò Martinenghi shows character and finishes second in the 100 breaststroke, while Lorenzo Zazzeri overcomes misfortune and takes third place in the 50 freestyle. Many Italian swimmers on the front pages make the first day of the 59th edition of the International Swimming - Sette Colli Trophy exhilarating. The event runs until Sunday, June 25th.
CECCON SHOW. The show begins immediately with a solo performance of excellence. Another convincing display, another victory of excellence for Thomas Ceccon, who receives the first standing ovation in the 100 backstroke with a good time, although not at the level of his world record of 51.60 set in Budapest in 2022 for the world title. The 22-year-old from Schio, reigning continental champion, representing Fiamme Oro and Leosport, coached by Alberto Burlina, and the gold medalist in Rome 2022 in the 50 butterfly, 4x100 medley relay, and 4x100 freestyle relay, swam an impressive 52.86 (25.67 at the 50-meter mark), setting a new meet record. The previous record of 53.29, set by French swimmer Mewen Tomac in 2020, was erased. Behind him, Greek swimmer and vice-continental champion Apostolos Christou finished in 52.99, and a remarkable Simone Stefani (Fiamme Oro/Time Limit) took third place with a personal best of 54.12, surpassing his previous record of 54.52 set in Caserta twenty days ago, elevating him from twelfth to ninth place among Italian performers. "The performance is good. I had said in the morning that in the afternoon I would swim a second faster," explains Ceccon, who won gold in the 4x100 medley relay and bronze in the 4x100 freestyle relay at the Budapest 2022 World Championships. "It's a somewhat peculiar phase, in terms of training load, so I'm not yet at my best. Last year was fantastic, and I aim to repeat that by giving it my all."
DE TULLIO'S STRONG PERFORMANCE. Cunning in the heats and determined in the afternoon. Marco De Tullio surprises the competition, all from within Italy, and claims the 400 freestyle title with a time that can only make him smile in anticipation of the Fukuoka World Championships, for which he is already qualified. The 22-year-old from Bari, now feeling at home in the capital, representing CC Aniene and coached by Christian Minotti, just like his brother Luca, touches the wall in 3:46.08, overtaking a courageous Matteo Ciampi (Esercito/Livorno) in the last fifty meters. Ciampi had paid the price for a strong 200-meter split (1:49.86) and finished with a time of 3:46.87. Matteo Lamberti (Carabinieri/GAM Team), the son of a former swimmer, takes third place with a time of 3:48.71. The Italian record holder (3:43.23), Gabriele Detti (Esercito/In Sport Rane Rosse), finishes just off the podium with a time of 3:48.81. Smiling, albeit tired after the race, De Tullio says, "I would say it was a pretty good performance. I'm thrilled with the result," emphasizes the Apulian swimmer, who won silver in the 4x200 freestyle relay at the European Championships in Rome, where he also finished fourth in the 200 freestyle. "Swimming here is always invigorating. In the last 50 meters, I kept pushing and managed to overtake Matteo."
SIMONA ALWAYS REIGNING. Her fans and her Rome have waited for ten months, and she has not disappointed them. Simona Quadarella emerges as the undisputed champion in the 1500 freestyle, closing out the program. The three-time European champion, representing CC Aniene and coached by Christian Minotti, wins convincingly, albeit without showboating, with the third-best time in the world this year, 15:53.24. As soon as she touches the wall, the anticipated standing ovation erupts for her. Simona, the "heart of Rome," smiles after yet another international success in her stellar and still unwritten career. "I started with very negative feelings, so coming in first was a great satisfaction. I repeated my time from the nationals, so I'm happy. Competing here is always beautiful, of course, at the European Championships, everything was more amplified and exciting, but Settecolli is always an experience that I love to do." The podium is completed by Spanish swimmer Angela Martinez Guillen (16:14.95) and Portuguese swimmer Tamila Holub (16:16.29).
DRAMA IN THE 100 BREASTSTROKE. The 100 breaststroke event captivates the audience in Rome, as two rivals destined to write swimming history battle it out. Despite Nicolo Martinenghi's heart and skill, his less than optimal physical condition, focused on the Fukuoka World Championships, is not enough to defeat Arno Kamminga this time. The 27-year-old Dutch swimmer, Olympic and reigning world silver medalist, triumphs in 59.05 seconds, while the 24-year-old from Varese, the reigning European and world champion, finishes in 59.24 seconds. In the end, a handshake between the two, smiles, and the applause of the Swimming Stadium virtually embracing them. "I don't feel at my best, nevertheless, I had a fantastic race, and I'm very happy. I was one second slower than my personal best. I'm on cloud nine, and I didn't expect to swim this time because I'm really not feeling well," says "Tete," the Italian record holder (58.26 seconds), representing CC Aniene and coached by Marco Pedoja. "After this, I have a month of high-altitude training in Livigno and then the World Championships." Kamminga also smiles. "Competing here in Rome is always very fascinating, especially against Nicolo Martinenghi. It's a pleasure to come back here a year after the European Championships. I'm very satisfied with my time."
The 100 breaststroke event also sees an Orange victory with the success of the vice short-course world champion Tes Schouten in 1:06.06. The 22-year-old from Bodegraven defeats Japan's Reona Aoki, who finishes second in 1:06.09, and Ireland's Mona McSharry in 1:06.56. Fourth place goes to the Italian record holder (1:05.67) Arianna Castiglioni (Fiamme Gialle/Team Insubrika) with a time of 1:06.77, which doesn't fully satisfy her.
SWISS DOMINANCE IN THE 100 BUTTERFLY. Fast in the morning, lightning-fast in the evening. Noé Ponti confirms his strength in the 100 butterfly. The 21-year-old Swiss swimmer from Locarno, European silver medalist in Rome 2022 and Olympic bronze medalist in Tokyo 2020, clocks an excellent 51.28 seconds for the seventh best European performance of the year. Behind him are the Dutch swimmer Nyls Korstanje in 51.82 seconds and the evergreen Piero Codia. The 34-year-old swimmer from Giulianova, the Italian record holder representing Esercito and CC Aniene and coached by Alessandro D'Alessandro, touches the wall in 51.94 seconds, just one hundredth of a second faster than Federico Burdisso (Esercito/Aurelia Nuoto), who finishes off the podium. "I did well in the heats, but this afternoon I made some mistakes," emphasizes Codia, coached by Alessandro D'Alessandro and the European champion in Glasgow 2018. "I'm in a good period, but now it's time to step up my game."
ZAZZART'S COMEBACK. An anaphylactic shock took him out of swimming for two months in the autumn. Then a recovery, faced with courage and maximum motivation. Settecolli brings back a superb Lorenzo Zazzeri to Italnuoto, placing third in the 50 freestyle, won by the British world and European champion Benjamin Proud in 21.68 seconds. The 27-year-old Tuscan swimmer, representing Esercito and RN Florentia, coached by Paolo Palchetti, with the 4x100m freestyle as Olympic silver medalist in Tokyo 2020 and bronze medalist in Budapest 2022, clocks in at 22.07 seconds. Between the British and the Italian, there's the Hungarian Szesbasztian Szabo in 22.01 seconds. "Standing on an international podium after everything I've been through physically in the past months makes me happy and relive the emotions of past years," says Zazzart, who finished sixth at the European Championships in Rome. "Honestly, I hoped to go a bit faster, but I only started swimming again at the end of January, and that's fine."
SARAH CONTINUES TO AMAZE. Ninety medals from Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships, and still the desire to fight, win, and amaze. Sarah Sjostrom is one of the stars of the 59th Settecolli, and the spotlight can only see her as the protagonist. The 29-year-old Swedish swimmer from Ronninge dominates the 50 butterfly with the third best performance in the world this year, clocking in at 25.25 seconds. The highly competitive field is overshadowed as the talented German swimmer, Angelina Köhler, takes second place in 26.04 seconds, and the other Swedish swimmer, Louise Hansson, finishes third in 26.05 seconds. The Italian record holder (25.84 seconds), Silvia Di Pietro (Carabinieri/CC Aniene), falls short with a time of 26.40 seconds, placing her in eighth position.
50 BACKSTROKE AND 200 FREESTYLE WITH UNPREDICTABLE OUTCOME. Canadian Kylie Masse dominates the competition in the 50 butterfly. The 26-year-old from Salle, a world champion and Olympic silver medalist in the double distance, finishes in 27.76 seconds, the only finalist to go under 28 seconds. The podium is completed by British swimmer Laure Cox in 28.01 seconds and Dutch swimmer Maaike De Waard in 28.07 seconds, one hundredth of a second ahead of Costanza Cocconcelli (Fiamme Gialle and NC Azzurra) who finishes fourth with her second personal best performance ever (27.92 seconds).
The final of the 200 freestyle is a one-sided affair, dominated by the Olympic vice champion and short course world champion Siobahn Haughey. The 24-year-old swimmer from Hong Kong flies in 1:54.77, achieving the fourth best performance of the year and coming just 0.22 seconds shy of the event record (1:54.55) set by Federica Pellegrini, the overall winner, in 2016. Behind the Asian champion, there is British swimmer Freya Colbert in 1:56.59 and Dutch swimmer Marrit Steenbergen in 1:56.68.
First day results.
100 backstroke men
1. Thomas Ceccon 52''86 RC (precedente 53''29 di Mewen Tomac del 2020)
2. Apostolos Christou (Gre) 52''99
3. Simone Stefan' (Fiamme Oro/Time Limit) 54''12 pp (precedente 54''52 del 23/05/2023 a Caserta)
50 backstroke women
1. Kylie Masse (Can) 27''76
2. Laure Cox (Gbr) 28''01
3. Maaike De Waard (Ned) 28''07
400 stile libero mas
1. Marco De Tullio 3'46''08
2. Matteo Ciampi 3'46''87
3. Matteo Lamberti (Carabinieri/GAM Team) 3'48''71
200 freestyle women
1. Siobhan Haugey (Hkg) 1'54''77
2. Freya Colbert (Gbr) 1'56''59
3. Marrit Steenbergen (Ned) 1'56''68
100 breaststroke men
1. Arno Kamminga (Ned) 59''05
2. Nicolo Martinenghi 59''24
3. Lucas Matzerath (Ger) 1'00''22
100 breaststroke women
1. Tes Schouten (Ned) 1'06''06
2. Reona Aoki (Jpn) 1'06''09
3. Mona Mc Sharry (Irl) 1'06''56
100 butterfly men
1. Noé Ponti (Sui) 51''28
2. Nyls Korstanje (Ned) 51''82
3. Piero Codia (Esercito/CC Aniene) 51''94
50 butterfly women
1. Sarah Sjostrom (Swe) 25''25
2. Angelina Köhler (Ger) 26''04
3. Louise Hansson (Swe) 26''05
50 freestyle men
1. Benjamin Proud (Gbr) 21''68
2. Szesbasztian Szabo (Hun) 22''01
3. Lorenzo Zazzeri 22''07
1500 freestyle women
1. Simona Quadarella 15'53''24
2. Angela Martinez Guillen (Esp) 16'14''95
3. Tamila Holub (Por) 16'16''29
Photos by Giorgio Scala and Andrea Staccioli / DBM The use of the photographs is permitted solely and exclusively for registered editorial publications. It is mandatory to credit the photographers.
Flash quotes day 1
Shown below the podium and flash quotes of the first day of the 59th edition of Sette Colli / International Swimming Trophy, taking place at the Swimming Stadium in Rome.
100 backstroke men
1. Thomas Ceccon: "The performance is good. I said in the morning that in the afternoon I would have swam one second faster. It's a somewhat unique phase, a training phase, so I'm not at my best yet. Last year was fantastic, and I aim to repeat that success by giving my all."
2. Apostolos Christou: "I have always been close to Thomas Ceccon. I am very satisfied with the time I achieved. This race has been an excellent preparation for the World Championships."
3. Simone Stefanì: "I am very happy with my performance. I started preparing for the 100m backstroke in long course in December with a time of 55"60 seconds, and now I've achieved 54"16 seconds, just barely missing the lane. I am satisfied".
50 backstroke women
1. Kylie Masse: "Competing here in Rome is always very beautiful. I am very happy with the first place and the time that I recorded."
2. Lauren Cox: "It was a nice race. I'm not used to swimming outdoors, but I felt good in the water. I'm quite satisfied with the second place and my time."
3. Maaike De Waard: "I’m happy with my race, I went a little faster than in the morning and it’s always beautiful to compete here. I think it was a good test for the World Championships, above all because it’s an international competition. It will be the last one before leaving for Fukuoka."
400 freestlye man
1. Marco De Tullio: "Satisfying race, I'm excited about the result. I always enjoy swimming here in Rome. In the last 50 meters, I kept pushing and made it."
2. Matteo Ciampi: "I swam very close to my reference time. I consider myself satisfied. In the last 100 meters, I was really tired. Now I'm thinking about the next race, the 200 meters, and I will try to qualify for the relay."
3. Matteo Lamberti: "I was hoping to record a better time, but I gave it everything I had, as always. Physically, I feel very good."
200 freestyle women
1. Siobhan Haughey: "I am very happy with this time. It's my best for this season. I believe it's a great sign. It's my first time here in Rome, I arrived a week before the start of the competition to train, and I finally got a chance to visit the city."
2. Freya Colbert: "It was a tough race. I wasn't at my best in the recent training sessions, but I'm very happy. I love this pool and this city. It's my third time here in Rome, and coming here every summer is one of my favorite stops."
3. Marrit Steenbergen: "It’s a good time, my fourth best one, even though I felt a little heavy cause of the hard training I’m doing lately for the World Championships. It’s amazing to be back here where I became European champion last year. Only twice in Rome and it’s full of good memories! For the World Championships I’m hoping for the finals, they would be my first ones in long course".
100 breaststroke men
1. Arno Kamminga: "Swimming here in Rome is always very fascinating, especially against Nicolò Martinenghi. One year after the European Championships, I'm very pleased to come back here. I'm very satisfied with my time."
2. Nicolò Martinenghi: "I don't feel at my best, nevertheless, I had a fantastic race and I'm very happy. I swam one second slower than my personal best. I'm over the moon, and I didn't expect to achieve this time because I'm really feeling unwell. After this, I have a month of altitude training in Livigno, and then the World Championships."
3. Lucas Matzerath: "I'm back to Rome for the second time after the European Championships. I'm happy with the third place, I've improved a lot compared to this morning. I love this city."
100 breaststroke women
1. Tes Schouten: "I’m always happy to race in Rome, I love swimming outdoor and the weather here. My time was pretty good, I always like racing against all these fast girls. I’m looking forward the World Championships, I’m trying not to expect anything, at that point it will be only matter of time. I’ll live in the moment".
2. Reona Aoki: "I didn't feel as good as this morning. I was hoping for a better time."
3. Mona Mc Sharry: "I feel very good physically, and I'm happy with the result. I adore Rome, competing here is always a unique thrill."
100 buterfly men
1. Noè Ponti: "I have good feelings ahead of the World Championships. I'm very happy with this result, and I can't wait to compete in Fukuoka".
2. Nyls Korstanje: "I love Rome and competing at the Swimming Stadium. I'm satisfied with my race."
3. Piero Codia: "I performed better this morning, but this afternoon I made some mistakes. I'm in a good period, but now it's time to shift gears in preparation for the World Championships."
50 butterfly women
1. Sarah Sjostrom: "I’ve been in Rome many many times and it has always an amazing atmosphere. I like challenges, I love life as an athlete, and the atmosphere when you swim and compete with people who are now your friends. All this keeps the motivation high even after so many years and so many medals".
2. Angelina Koehler: "I'm back to Italy after last year's European Championship. I love Rome, I really enjoy being here. I'm satisfied with my time. Now there will be intense training ahead of the World Championships."
3. Louise Hansson: "I'm quite satisfied with my race, I did much better compared to this morning. I have extraordinary memories associated with the Swimming Stadium and the European Championships held here."
50 freestyle men
1. Benjamin Proud: "I feel very good. It always brings me great pleasure to come back to Rome because it's a city that I really enjoy."
3. Lorenzo Zazzeri: "Standing on an international podium after everything I've been through physically in the past few months makes me happy and brings back the emotions of past years. Honestly, I was hoping to go a little faster, but I only started swimming again at the end of January, so it's okay."
1500 freestlye women
1. Simona Quadarella: "I started with very negative feelings, so coming in first was a great satisfaction. I repeated my time from the nationals, so I'm happy. Competing here is always beautiful, of course at the European Championships everything was more amplified and exciting, but Settecolli is always an experience that I love to do."
2. Angela Martinez Guillen: "I am very happy with my performance and this second place. Swimming here is always wonderful."
3. Tamila Hryhorivna Holub: "Competing here in Rome is always special. Today I was really tired because I have been training hard for the World Championships. I am very happy with the result."
Photos by Giorgio Scala and Andrea Staccioli / DBM The use of photographs is allowed solely for registered publications for editorial purposes. It is mandatory to mention the credits.
Heats day 1. Ceccon already at the top. Finals from 6 PM
Under the sun of Rome, slightly diminished by a gentle westerly breeze, the curtain rises on the 59th edition of the Sette Colli International Swimming Meet, scheduled at the Stadio del Nuoto in Rome until June 25th.
Right from the start, there is high speed and spectacle with the heats of the 100 backstroke. Thomas Ceccon, one of the big names and highly anticipated, immediately sets the best time, obviously far from his "own" world record of 51"60 set in Budapest in 2022 for the world title. The 22-year-old from Schio, the European champion affiliated with Fiamme Oro and Leosport, trained by Alberto Burlina, touches the wall effortlessly in 53"89, ahead of Simone Stefani from Puglia (Fiamme Oro/Time Limit) in 54"53, Greek swimmer and European vice champion Apostolos Christou in 54"77, and Michele Lamberti, affiliated with Fiamme Gialle and Gam Team Brescia, recently a training partner of Ceccon in Verona, in 54"98. They were the only ones to swim under 55 seconds in the morning.
Leading the way in the women's 50 backstroke is Canadian swimmer and reigning world champion Kylie Masse, who won Olympic silver in the same event, with a time of 27"92. Costanza Cocconcelli, affiliated with Fiamme Gialle and NC Azzurra, follows closely, followed by Fabrizio Bastelli, European silver medalist in Rome in the mixed 4x100 medley relay, finishing fourth in 28"26.
An excellent performance by Matteo Ciampi, in peak physical condition, as he sets the fastest time in the men's 400 freestyle in 3'48"27. Behind the 26-year-old from Latina, but based in Livorno, affiliated with Esercito and Livorno Acquatics, and followed by Stefano Franceschi, is Italian record holder Gabriele Detti (Esercito/In Sport Rane Rosse), with a time of 3'48"64. Fourth is Marco De Tullio (CC Aniene) in 3'49"29, with Irish swimmer Daniel Wiffen in 3'49"27 sandwiched between the three Italians.
In the women's 200 freestyle, European champion from Rome 2022, Marrit Steenbergen, sets the fastest time of 1'58"11, with Belgian swimmer Valentine Dumont just six hundredths of a second behind in 1'58"17. Twelfth is Giulia D'Innoncenzo (Carabinieri/CC Aniene) in 2'00"00, needing to swim faster than the 1'59"92 of British swimmer Medi Harris to qualify for the final.
Next up are the thrilling 100 breaststroke races, as always. Among the men, another battle is expected between Arno Kamminga and Italian record holder (58"26) Nicolò Martinenghi. The Dutchman and "Tete" are the only ones to break the one-minute barrier in the morning. The 27-year-old Dutchman, Olympic silver medalist and world champion, touches the wall in 58"97, while the 24-year-old from Varese, European and defending world champion, affiliated with CC Aniene and trained by Marco Pedoja, finishes in 59"85. Alessandro Pinzuti (Esercito/In Sport Rane Rosse), who is trying to overcome a couple of less successful seasons, is third in 1'00"20.
Japanese swimmer Reona Anoki leads the women's race in 1'06"20, followed by Italian record holder (1'05"67) Arianna Castiglioni (Fiamme Gialle/Team Insubrika) in 1'07"30. Among the top ten are also Anita Bottazzo (Fiamme Gialle/Imolanuoto), sixth in 1'07"39, and Martina Carraro (Fiamme Azzurre/NC Azzurra 91), ninth in 1'07"72. Benedetta Pilato (CC Aniene), currently focused on her final exams and not in top form, finishes eleventh in 1'07"96.
Noé Ponti is lightning-fast in the men's 100 butterfly. The 21-year-old Swiss swimmer from Locarno, European silver medalist in Rome 2022 and Olympic bronze medalist in Tokyo 2020, clocks a solid time of 51"40. However, he faces tough competition from the evergreen Piero Codia. The 34-year-old Italian record holder finishes second in 51"75, with Federico Burdisso (Esercito/Aurelia Nuoto), who has been training at the Federal Center in Ostia under Claudio Rossetto since September, in fifth place with a time of 52"19.
The fabulous Sarah Sjostrom dominates the women's 50 butterfly. The 29-year-old Swedish swimmer, also the world record holder (24"43) and winner of ninety medals at the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships, makes her intentions clear with a superb time of 25"42. Silvia Di Pietro (Carabinieri/CC Aniene), as always, holds her own, finishing fourth in 26"27.
The men's 50 freestyle closes the first session of heats. World and European champion Benjamin Proud sets the fastest time in 21"92, ten hundredths of a second ahead of Lorenzo Zazzeri. ZazzArt, affiliated with Esercito and RN Florentia, a student of Paolo Palchetti, seventh at the Tokyo Olympics, sixth at the Budapest World Championships, and European Championships in Rome, finishes in 22"02. Alessandro Miressi (Fiamme Oro/CN Torino) is fourth in 22"12.
The finals will resume at 6 PM, preceded by a pre-show at 5"15 PM, featuring Massimiliano Rosolino, Filippo Magnini, and Cristina Calleri, which can also be streamed on the Federnuoto website.
Here the best times from the heats of the first day:
Friday 23rd of June
100 backstroke men
1. Thomas Ceccon (Ita) 53''89
50 backstroke women
1. Kylie Masse (Can) 27''92
400 freestyle men
1. Matteo Ciampi (Ita) 3'48''27
200 freestyle women
1. Marrit Steenbergen (Ned) 1'58''11
100 breaststroke men
1. Arno Kamminga (Ned) 58''97
100 breaststroke women
1. Reona Aoki (Jpn) 1'06''20
100 butterfly men
1. Noe Ponti (Sui) 51''40
50 butterfly women
1. Sarah Sjostrom (Swe) 25''42
50 freestlye men
1. Benjamin Proud 21''92
NUMBERS, CURIOSITIES, AND TV. There were 678 athletes from 29 nations present: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Japan, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, Hungary, Vietnam. There were 768 starting blocks (405 male and 363 female) for a total of 1919 race entries (1026 male and 893 female). As usual, the program included the men's and women's Paralympic 100m freestyle events.
The races will all take place in ten lanes: heats, A finals, B finals, and C finals only in the 100m and 200m freestyle events. B finals will have four guaranteed spots for Italian athletes, while C finals are exclusively for Italian athletes and only in the 100m and 200m freestyle events.
Sotto il sole di Roma, reso meno imponente da un leggero vento di Ponente, si alza il sipario sulla 59esima edizione degli Internazionali di nuoto - Trofeo Sette Colli, in programma allo Stadio del Nuoto di Roma fino al 25 giugno.
Subito marce alte e spettacolo con le batterie dei 100 dorso. Thomas Ceccon, uno dei big, più attesi stampa subito il miglior tempo, ovviamente lontano dal "suo" record del mondo di 51''60 siglato a Budapest 2022 per il titolo iridato. Il 22enne di Schio e campione europeo - tesserato per Fiamme Oro e Leosport, allenato da Alberto Burlina - tocca in scioltezza in 53''89, precedendo il pugliese Simone Stefanì (Fiamme Oro/Time Limit) in 54''53, il greco e vicecampione continentale Apostolos Christou in 54''77 e Michele Lamberti - tesserato per Fiamme Gialle e Gam Team Brescia, da poco compagno d'allenamenti di Ceccon a Verona - in 54''98, unici a scendere sotto i 55'' in mattinata.
Davanti a tutte nei 50 dorso la canadese e campione del mondo in carica Kylie Masse - argento olimpico nella doppia distanza - in 27''92; bene Costanza Cocconcelli - tesserata per Fiamme Gialle ed NC Azzurra, seguita da Fabrizio Bastelli, argento europeo a Roma con la 4x100 mista mixed - quarta in 28''26.
Un eccellente Matteo Ciampi, fisicamente tirato lucido, è il più veloce nei 400 stile libero in in 3'48''27; alle spalle del 26enne di Latina ma di stanza a Livorno - tesserato per Esercito e Livorno Acquatics, seguito da Stefano Franceschi - c'è il primatista italiano (3'43''23) Gabriele Detti (Esercito/In Sport Rane Rosse) in 3'48''64; quarto è Marco De Tullio (CC Aniene) in 3'49''29, a dividere i tre italiani c'è l'irlandese Daniel Wiffen in 3'49''27.
Poi i 200 stile libero con la campionessa europea di Roma 2022 Marrit Steenbergen che sigla il crono migliore in 1'58''11; a sei centesimi dalla 22enne olandese c'è la belga Valentine Dumont in 1'58''17. Dodicesima è Giulia D'Innoncenzo (Carabinieri/CC Aniene) in 2'00''00, per l'ingresso in finale doveva nuotare più veloce dell'1'59''92 della britannica Medi Harris decima.
Successivamente i 100 rana sinonimi di spettacolo in ogni sessione come sempre. Tra i maschi si prospetta l'ennesima battaglia tra Arno Kamminga e il primatista italiano (58''26) Nicolò Martinenghi. L'olandese e Tete sono gli unici a rompere il muro del minuto al mattino. Il 27enne olandese, vice campione olimpico ed iridato tocca in 58''97 contro il 59''85 del 24enne di Varese, oro europeo e mondiale in carica - tesserato per CC Aniene e allenato da Marco Pedoja - Terzo è un ritrovato Alessandro Pinzuti (Esercito/In Sport Rane Rosse), che prova a mettere alle spalle un paio di stagioni non brillanti, in 1'00''20.
La giapponese Reona Anoki comanda tra le femmine in 1'06''20; terza la primatista italiana (1'05''67) Arianna Castiglioni (Fiamme Gialle / Team Insubrika) in 1'07''30; tra le migliori dieci ci sono anche Anita Bottazzo (Fiamme Gialle/Imolanuoto) sesta in 1'07''39 e Martina Carraro (Fiamme Azzurre/NC Azzurra 91) nona in 1'07''72. Undicesima Benedetta Pilato (CC Aniene), alle prese con gli esami di maturità e quindi non al top della condizione, in 1'07''96.
Noé Ponti velocissimo nei 100 farfalla. Il 21enne svizzero di Locarno - argento europeo a Roma 2022 e bronzo olimpico a Tokyo 2020 - scolpisce un buon 51''40; a dar battaglia però c'è anche l'evergreen Piero Codia. Il 34enne giuliano e primatista italiano è secondo in 51''75; quinto Federico Burdisso - tesserato per Esercito ed Aurelia Nuoto, da settembre seguito al Centro Federale di Ostia da Claudio Rossetto - in 52''19.
Favolosa la vincitrice di tutto Sarah Sjostrom nei 50 farfalla. La 29enne svedese e primatista del mondo (24''43) - novanta medaglie tra Olimpiadi, Mondiali ed Europei - mette subito in chiaro le cose con un super 25''42. Tiene botta come sempre Silvia Di Pietro (Carabinieri/CC Aniene). La 29enne romana - preparata da Mirko Nozzolillo - chiude quarta in 26''27.
I 50 stile libero maschili chiudono la prima sessione di batterie. Il campione del mondo ed europeo Benjamin Proud firma il miglior crono in 21''92, dieci centesimi meglio di Lorenzo Zazzeri. ZazzArt - tesserato per Esercito e RN Florentia, allievo di Paolo Palchetti, settimo alle Olimpiadi di Tokyo, sesto ai mondiali di Budapest e agli Europei di Roma - conclude in 22''02. Quarto Alessandro Miressi (Fiamme Oro/CN Torino) in 22''12.
Si torna in acqua alle 18.00 per le finali, in diretta su Rai Sport+Hd, anticipate alle 17.15 dal pre show, con Massimiliano Rosolino, Filippo Magnini e Cristina Calleri, che potrà essere seguito in streaming sul sito della Federnuoto.
I migliori tempi delle batterie della 1^ giornata
Venerdì 23 giugno
100 dorso mas
1. Thomas Ceccon 53''89
50 dorso fem
1. Kylie Masse (Can) 27''92
4. Costanza Cocconcelli 28''26
400 stile libero mas
1. Matteo Ciampi 3'48''27
200 stile libero fem
1. Marrit Steenbergen (Ned) 1'58''11
12. Giulia D'Innocenzo 2'00''00
100 rana mas
1. Arno Kamminga (Ned) 58''97
2. Nicolò Martinenghi 59''85
100 rana fem
1. Reona Aoki (Jpn) 1'06''20
3. Arianna Castiglioni 1'07''30
100 farfalla mas
1. Noe Ponti (Sui) 51''40
2. Piero Codia (Esercito/CC Aniene) 51''75
50 farfalla fem
1. Sarah Sjostrom (Swe) 25''42
4. Silvia Di Pietro 26''27
50 stile libero mas
1. Benjamin Proud 21''92
2. Lorenzo Zazzeri 22''02
I NUMERI, LE CURIOSITA' E LA TV. Presenti 678 atleti per 29 nazioni : Austria, Belgio, Brasile, Canada, Danimarca, Estonia, Francia, Germania, Giappone, Gran Bretagna, Grecia, Hong Kong, Irlanda, Israele, Italia, Kuwait, Lituania, Lussemburgo, Paesi Bassi, Portogallo, Repubblica Ceca, Romania, Spagna, Sudafrica, Svezia, Turchia, Ucraina, Ungheria, Vietnam.
Suoi blocchi in 768 (405 maschi e 363 femmine) per un totale di 1919 presenze gara totali (1026 maschili e 893 femminili). Inseriti, come di consueto, i 100 stile libero maschile e femminili paralimpici nel programma.
Le gare si disputeranno tutte a dieci corsie: batterie, finali A, B e C solo nei 100 e 200 sl. Finali B oon quattro posti garantiti ad atleti italiani; finali C solo per atleti italiani e solo er 100 e 200 stile libero.
Il 59esimo trofeo Sette Colli come di consueto trasmesso da Rai Sport +HD, ad eccezione delle batterie della prima giornata che saranno visibili live sulla pagina Facebook della Federazione Italia Nuoto. Finali sotto le stelle del cielo capitolino, dalle 18.00, anticipate alle 17.15 dal pre show, con Massimiliano Rosolino, Filippo Magnini e Cristina Calleri, che potrà essere seguito in streaming sul sito della Federnuoto. Batterie dalle 10.00.
La nazionale per il Sette Colli. Gli atleti che formeranno la Nazionale (11 femmine e 18 maschi) sono Lisa Angiolini (Carabinieri / Virtus Buonconvento), Martina Carraro (Fiamme Azzurre / NC Azzurra 91), Arianna Castiglioni (Fiamme Gialle / Team Insubrika), Costanza Cocconcelli (Fiamme Gialle / NC Azzurra 91), Ilaria Cusinato (Fiamme Oro/Team Veneto), Silvia Di Pietro (Carabinieri/CC Aniene), Sara Franceschi (Fiamme Gialle/Livorno Aquatics), Margherita Panziera (Fiamme Oro/CC Aniene), Benedetta Pilato (Fiamme Oro/CC Aniene), Simona Quadarella (CC Aniene), Silvia Scalia (Fiamme Gialle/CC Aniene);
Federico Burdisso (Esercito/Aurelia Nuoto), Giovanni Carraro (Riviera Nuoto Dolo), Thomas Ceccon (Fiamme Oro/Leosport), Matteo Ciampi (Esercito/Livorno Aquatics), Paolo Conte Bonin (Team Veneto), Marco De Tullio (CC Aniene), Leonardo Deplano (Carabinieri/CC Aniene), Stefano Di Cola (Marina Militare/CC Aniene), Manuel Frigo (Fiamme Oro/Team Veneto), Nicolò Martinenghi (CC Aniene), Alessandro Miressi (Fiamme Oro/CN Torino), Lorenzo Mora (Fiamme Rosse / Amici del Nuoto dei Vigili del Fuoco Modena), Federico Poggio (Fiamme Azzurre/Imolanuoto), Alberto Razzetti (Fiamme Gialle / Genova Nuoto My Sport), Matteo Restivo (Carabinieri/RN Florentia), Matteo Rivolta (CC Aniene), Fabio Scozzoli (Esercito/Imola Nuoto) e Lorenzo Zazzeri (Esercito/RN Florentia). Nello staff il coordinatore tecnico scientifico settori agonistici Marco Bonifazi, il direttore tecnico Cesare Butini, il responsabile delle squadre nazionali giovanili Marco Menchinelli, i tecnici Claudio Rossetto, Stefano Franceschi, Matteo Giunta, Alberto Burlina, Marco Pedoja, Cesare Casella, Antonio Satta, Christian Minotti, i fisioterapisti Stefano Amirante, Alessandro Del Piero e Giuseppe Mondì, il videoanalista Ivo Ferreti e i medici Lorenzo Marguo e Tiziana Balducci.
Photos by Giorgio Scala and Andrea Staccioli / DBM The use of photographs is allowed solely for registered publications for editorial purposes. It is mandatory to mention the credits.