European Junior Swimming Championships. Participation record is in sight

A record of 48 nations entered for the upcoming edition of the European Junior Swimming Championships in Rome. After the lost season in 2020, everyone is keen to send its best young competitors to test themselves at LEN’s top age-group event.
The magnificent Foro Italico, site of the 2009 World Championships and the annual Sette Colli meet, will host another brilliant event next week: the European Junior Swimming Championships return to the Eternal City and its eternal aquatic complex after 1987.
A participation record is in sight as 48 nations – out of the 52 LEN Member Federations – entered the event and 566 teenaged athletes are to line up for the races on 6-11 July.
LEN and its officials now have plenty of experience on how to run major aquatic events in a safe environment so even the different pandemic situations across Europe should not influence the meet in Rome – though the bubble concept shall be in place for all participants with restricted move and regular testing.
"The success of the European Aquatics Championships this May in Budapest was a clear demonstration that it is possible to organise a Covid-free competition during the pandemic even with several thousand people inside the so called bubble", LEN President Paolo Barelli said before the start.
"It was inevitable that LEN would give back the chance for our age-group athletes to show themselves at our continental showcases. In 2020, we had to cancel all events, which was sad news for all young competitors – and it would have been terrible to do the same for 2021. It might have meant that a generation of talented swimmers should begin their respective senior careers without competing at junior European Championships".
Mr Barelli emphasised that Europe was the No. 1 continent in aquatics and the roots of its success lied in the unique competition environment LEN and its National Federations had run for decades. "We are the only continent where junior championships are held annually in each discipline - that gives our young athletes an outstanding advantage during their formative years, and we want to keep that edge on the long-term" the LEN President added.
In last 8 editions, Russia was the ruling nation in this event, finished atop in the medal charts every year since 2012.
Though their dominance wasn't as overwhelming in recent years as it had been between 2013 and 2015 (back then they amassed 19-23 titles per meet), still, their talented swimmers achieved outstanding results in Kazan 2019, Helsinki 2018 and Netanya 2017 as well.
This time Italy may challenge them at home soil as their juniors were usually ranked among the top three and Germany showed some strength as well.
Since the junior Worlds were postponed to 2022 from this August, the best youngsters from Europe should offer their top form next week which well could make way to a series of outstanding swims in the gorgeous sunshine in Rome.

The next generation is ready. Tickets on sale

From the 58th edition of the Sette Colli trophy to the 47th European Junior Championships. The Stadio del Nuoto, in Rome, will host from 6 to 11 July almost six hundred swimmers (307 men and 265 women), representing 48 nations, who will compete for the continental title and aspire to a place among the champions who will swim the 36th edition of the European Championships of aquatic sports planned - together with diving, high diving, artistic swimming and open water - from 11 to 22 August 2022 in Foro Italico, Ostia and a venue in the downtown of Rome.
Italy Team will be composed by 48 athletes (24 men and 24 women), led by the European champion, record holder and vice world champion in the 50 breaststroke Benedetta Pilato, in the pool to make a final check before the upcoming Olympics in Tokyo as well as Giulia Vetrano; great attention also for Erika Gaetani, Lorenzo Galossi, Luca De Tullio, Simone Cerasuolo.
Among the most awaited young foreigners are the Russians Ilya Borodin, European gold medallist in the 400 mixed in Budapest, and Evgenia Chikunova, fourth in the 200 breaststroke, and the Romanian David Popovici, sixth in the 100 freestyle. Russia remains the national team to beat.
For the first time, the event will be spread over six days of competition, instead of five as was usual until 2019. Schedule with heats from 9:00 am; semifinals and finals from 6:00 pm.
Tickets on sale. Visit https://www.ticketone.it/en/

Daily ticket prices:
Heats / €10
Semifinals and Finals / €20
6-day ticket / €130

Schedule

Records

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.