Settecolli Showtime: Buonfiglio’s First Visit as Italian Olympic Committee President

On the second day of the Settecolli International Swim Meet in Rome, the Italian national team delivered a dazzling array of performances, drawing a packed crowd and the attention of top officials—including Italian Olympic Committee’s new president, Luciano Buonfiglio, who chose this prestigious meet for his first official appearance.

Burdisso’s Comeback: Back in the Fast Lane
Federico Burdisso, fresh from a return to his roots with longtime coach Simone Palombi in Gubbio, made a powerful statement in the 200m butterfly. The 24-year-old Army swimmer and engineering graduate clocked an impressive 1:54.76, the only athlete to break the 1:55 barrier. His splits—25.46, 28.43, 29.77, and 31.10—were consistent and bold, reflecting a swimmer in top physical and mental shape. Burdisso, whose last sub-1:55 swim was at the 2021 European Championships in Budapest (1:54.28), was visibly moved: “It feels good to smile again after so long. I deserve this. It’s been years since I felt this strong in the water. Swimming in Rome is always special.”

Young Stars: Curtis and D’Ambrosio Rewrite the Record Books
Sara Curtis, just 18 and fresh off her high school graduation, dominated the women’s 100m freestyle with a swift 53.73, just off her Italian record of 53.01 set earlier this year. Curtis, representing the Army and CS Roero, led a quartet of Italian women who will spearhead the 4x100m freestyle relay in Paris. Behind her, Emma Virginia Menicucci (Army/CC Aniene), Sofia Morini (Army/NC Azzurra 91), and Chiara Tarantino (Fiamme Gialle/In Sport Rane Rosse) all posted strong times, signaling depth in the Italian sprint ranks.

Carlos D’Ambrosio, also 18, made headlines with a blistering 48.14 in the 100m freestyle, taking down the Italian junior record (previously 48.45 by Luca Leonardo in 2009). The Fiamme Gialle and Fondazione Bentegodi talent now ranks seventh all-time among Italian men in the event. Only Russia’s Igor Kornev, who won in 47.60, could beat him.

Pilato and Viberti: Masters of the Breaststroke
Benedetta Pilato, a veteran at just 20, showed her class in the 50m breaststroke with a winning time of 30.30, holding off Finland’s Veera Kivirinta (30.43). Pilato, who has been a podium regular since the 2019 Worlds, admitted she wasn’t at her best but still delivered a champion’s performance.

Ludovico Blu Art Viberti, 23, completed the Italian breaststroke double by winning the men’s 50m in 26.43, just off his morning Italian record of 26.27. Viberti, Fiamme Oro/CN Torino, outclassed Russia’s Ivan Kozhakin (26.59) and teammate Simone Cerasuolo (26.71), with Olympic champion Nicolò Martinenghi (CC Aniene) just off the podium in 26.86.
Quadarella’s Double: Distance Queen Reigns Supreme

Simona Quadarella, the reigning middle-distance queen, added the 800m freestyle title to her 1500m win from the previous day. The CC Aniene star clocked 8:21.99, comfortably ahead of Germany’s Isabel Gose (8:23.86). Quadarella, a Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist, said, “Everything went as planned. I felt good from the start and managed the race well.”

Other Highlights: Cocconcelli, Gastaldi, and Paralympic Stars
Costanza Cocconcelli (Fiamme Gialle/NC Azzurra 91) set a new personal best in the 100m butterfly (57.72), while Anita Gastaldi (Carabinieri/V02 Nuoto Torino) claimed the Italian title in the 100m backstroke (1:01.08).
In the opening finals, Paralympic champions Carlotta Gilli (Fiamme Oro/Rari Nantes Torino) and Simone Barlaam (Fiamme Oro/Poha Varese) thrilled the crowd with victories in the 100m freestyle. Gilli, a newly minted psychology graduate, and Barlaam, both crowd favorites, continue to inspire with their dedication and success.

Buonfiglio: Athletes at the Heart of the Sport
Italian Olympic Committee’s President Luciano Buonfiglio, making his debut at a major event, highlighted the importance of athletes: “Being here with Paolo Barelli and the Italian Swimming Federation, one of the most successful and socially engaged, is a wonderful start. Awarding these athletes is an honor that moves me. Athletes must be at the center of our interests—not just in words, but in action.”

Federazione Italiana Nuoto President Paolo Barelli added: “It’s a pleasure to have such a great crowd and President Buonfiglio here. We’re old friends. The CONI must put athletes, clubs, and federations at the heart of its activities.”

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Day 2 Finals: Medallists’ Voices and World-Class Performances

On the second day of the 61st Settecolli Trophy the finals of several thrilling events took center stage. The women’s 100m butterfly, men’s 200m butterfly, women’s 100m backstroke, men’s 50m backstroke, women’s and men’s 400m individual medley, women’s and men’s 100m freestyle, women’s and men’s 50m breaststroke, and the women’s and men’s 800m freestyle were all contested. Additionally, the FINP finals for the women’s and men’s 100m freestyle were also held.

Women’s 100m Butterfly
Angelina Koehler claimed victory, stating: “Overall, it was a good race. The pace was really fast this morning, which made it very interesting. The final wasn’t perfect, but it was still a strong performance.” Anna Ntountounaki, who finished second, said: “I’m really pleased with my result, but I hope to do even better at the World Championships. I love Rome and am always happy to be here.” Costanza Cocconcelli, in third, added: “The race went really well. I’m happy to have matched my time from last year’s nationals. To swim this time again, especially next to the Doha world champion, is a great achievement. I’m also very happy as it bodes well for a possible World Championship spot this summer.”

Men’s 200m Butterfly
Federico Burdisso took gold, commenting: “It’s always beautiful and fun here. I’d do it again. In these conditions, I’m in the zone, so I don’t really hear the crowd, but afterwards, absolutely. Competing at the Settecolli is fabulous, magnificent.” Tomoru Honda, who finished second, remarked: “I’m really exhausted after this 200m, but I’m very happy. I swam a great time, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to go to the World Championships because I couldn’t participate in the Japanese qualifying trials. The post-Olympic year is always tough, and I’ve decided to focus only on myself. I’ve never been to the Settecolli before and am very happy to see the stands so full.” Richard Marton, in third, said: “Wow, it was crazy, especially for the time. It’s a huge personal achievement after all this training. I hope my coach is happy, and I’m very satisfied with myself.”

Women’s 100m Backstroke
Anita Gastaldi topped the podium: “After this morning, I expected to go a bit faster, maybe under 1:01, but it’s fine for now, especially since I always struggle a bit outdoors. Swimming here in Rome is always great, and the crowd is always very warm.” Federica Toma, in second, reflected: “After yesterday’s race, I expected something in between. Today didn’t go as I hoped, partly because of an unexpected lane, but as a true competitor, I finished the race. The first race was more improvised, while I prepared this one better, though I had to defend a bit at the end. Honestly, I’m a bit disappointed: I know I could have given more, but today, this was all I had. I’ll take it with awareness and look ahead.” Katie Shanahan, third, added: “I felt really good in the water, not as fast as in the UK competitions, but it’s fine. I love Rome and enjoy competing here.”

Men’s 50m Backstroke
Miron Lifinstev won gold, saying: “Competing in an outdoor pool isn’t a problem for a professional swimmer—you have to be able to orient yourself, for example by using the lane. I’m satisfied with my time, but I’m very tired. I missed competing internationally; it’s been a long three years, but we’ve trained hard and can’t wait to race at the World Championships.” Michele Lamberti, in second, commented: “I feel good, honestly better than I expected because it’s been a complicated period. Competing here is always spectacular, and the crowd is always amazing. I’m very happy and feel good.” Pavel Samusenko, third, said: “It was fun. Swimming backstroke is tough, but I oriented myself and enjoyed it. We’re all happy to be back; the desire to compete was strong, and we’re finally here, meeting many people and athletes. We want to win again.”

Women’s 400m Individual Medley
Ellen Walshe took first place: “It was definitely a challenging race, but I’m really happy with the result. I’m glad to have won. Sometimes, it’s also about being in the right place at the right time. There wasn’t a particularly complex strategy, but I knew I had to go out strong in the first half and capitalize on my strengths. The goal was to be aggressive from the start and hold on until the end. Now, the focus is on the World Championships in Singapore. That’s the next big goal, and I’ll work hard to be at my best.” Anna Pirovano, in second, said: “I’m very happy with how the race went, especially since I’ve never won a medal at the Settecolli. The sensations were good but not at my best, so I had to approach it mentally, as I’ve never competed in a big event before and never faced girls much stronger than me on paper. I’m glad I didn’t let that overwhelm me.” Freya Colbert, third, added: “I didn’t feel very good in the water because it’s hard for me to train in this heat, but I’m ready for the World Championships, and we’ll see what happens.”

Men’s 400m Individual Medley
Gabor Zambori won, saying: “This time is quite good, considering it’s June. I love Rome—this is my third time here, and I love this pool. Everything is beautiful. The weather is maybe a bit too hot, but it’s fine.” Alberto Razzetti, in second, commented: “I’m very happy. It’s always great to compete here, and it’s very motivating before the World Championships. It was a test that went very well, so I’m ready—just the final part of preparation is left for Singapore.” Max Litchfield, third, said: “Well, the time is okay, especially since it’s one of the best of the season, so I can’t complain. I love coming back to Rome—I even come when there are no competitions, but right now, I can’t visit.”

Women’s 100m Freestyle
Sara Curtis claimed victory: “I felt good. Maybe I struggled a bit more this morning with the turn, and I think I went out strong, but overall, I’m very satisfied, especially considering the period and my maturity. I’m in full preparation for the World Championships and will arrive there ready.” Emma Virginia Menicucci, second, said: “It was a beautiful, really exciting race. The first big emotion was seeing my dear teammate Sofia Morini redeem herself after a difficult year—it was like I was in the water with her and for her. As for me, I’m very happy to have confirmed my second place behind a hugely talented athlete, whom I care about a lot. I’m proud to have finished second, because racing next to her is almost like a dance. Did I expect it? Yes, partly. This morning I swam a good 54.5, and I was still in preparation. To do it again in the final, under pressure and with accumulated fatigue, confirms that the time was in line with expectations.” Sofia Morini, third, added: “The race went well. I didn’t see the turn, but I got back in line with my best times, and I’m very happy and proud to be able to compete in the relay, which wasn’t a given. Swimming in Rome is always a great emotion—the pool is beautiful and fast, so it’s easier for me to compete.”

Men’s 100m Freestyle
Egor Kornev took gold: “I’m really satisfied with my time, considering all the weight I’m carrying. I’ve worked hard these last four days and I’m really exhausted—all I want is to sit down and drink some water.” Carlos D’Ambrosio, second, said: “I’m very happy. I lowered my split a bit compared to this morning, which allowed me to achieve this time. The atmosphere helps a lot, both during and before the race. I heard my national teammates shouting my name. In general, competing in Rome is like being at home—the crowd is warm and very encouraging.” Manuel Frigo, third, added: “It went well. I feel good, it’s what I expected to do. It’s my first podium at the Settecolli, and I’m very happy. It’s always great to compete here, at home, with this crowd.”

Women’s 50m Breaststroke
Benedetta Pilato won: “I’m not 100% satisfied, and I think it’s right to admit that. I have my limits, and learning to recognize them is part of my journey. Processing this year is important for me—it’s been complex, but I feel experienced in handling the unexpected. I hope to manage everything that comes my way even better and grow from it. Considering that, just a few months ago, I had even decided not to compete, I can say I’m not satisfied. It’s fine as it is.” Veera Kivirinta, second, said: “The race went well, stronger than this morning. I’m really happy to have gone so fast. I love Rome—the last time I was here was three years ago, at the Europeans. I like this pool; it’s very fast. Everyone in Finland loves coming here, also because the crowd is very warm.” Hanretta Fangli, third, added: “I really enjoyed competing here in Rome and am very happy to represent Hungary.”

Men’s 50m Breaststroke
Ludovico Blu Art Viberti claimed victory: “I’m very happy, especially with the Italian record this morning, which was totally unexpected. I knew there was a spot open for the World Championships in the 100m, so I focused all my strength yesterday. Today, I entered the water much calmer and just tried to have fun. I can’t wait for the World Championships to show the work I’ve done.” Ivan Kozhakin, second, said: “It was a pretty strange race. I broke my first cycle and got a bit lost, then tried to push more in the last meters. Today seemed harder than other times, but it’s fine—I’m still satisfied.” Simone Cerasuolo, third, added: “I’m good, I’m on my feet, everything’s in line with what I expected. I enjoy competing like this, in these pools. The Settecolli is always beautiful and has a special atmosphere. You really feel the taste of competition. It’s one of those events that always gives you an extra boost.”

Women’s 800m Freestyle
Simona Quadarella won: “I feel very good, and the race went really well. The conditions were positive, especially compared to yesterday, so I had good sensations from the start. Everything went more or less as planned, so I’m satisfied with the result and how I managed the race.” Isabel Marie Gose, second, said: “Today was a very hard day. These weeks have been really intense, and to be honest, I’m really tired. But I love Rome—I really like this city.” Noemi Cesarano, third, added: “I’m very happy with the podium, which is never a given at these events, with so many strong foreign athletes. The time isn’t great, but I’m in the middle of my preparation for the Universiade, so it’s fine. Competing in Rome is always beautiful—it’s my favorite pool.”

Men’s 800m Freestyle
Florian Wellbrock took gold: “I’m a bit tired. We arrived in Rome two days ago from our training camp, and yesterday’s 400m final went quite well. Today, I felt a bit tired, but it’s fine. I’m happy to have won this race because it was the goal. I had a good race with Luca, and it’s always great to swim here.” Luca De Tullio, second, said: “I’m quite satisfied even though the time is seven seconds off my personal best. The post-Olympic year is always tough; I’m torn between wanting to compete and wanting to take a break. I didn’t even know if I would compete. But this is a bit like home, and it’s always nice to be here. The crowd is fantastic.” Davide Marchello, third, added: “It was tough, especially in the last 200 meters, but it’s fine. I stayed with them until 600 meters. That’s how it went, and it’s fine.”

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Photo Andrea Staccioli / DBM
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Viberti Smashes Italian 50m Breaststroke Record at Sette Colli, Curtis and D’Ambrosio Shine in Freestyle Heats

The spotlight of the morning session at the 61st Trofeo Sette Colli IP—running through Saturday, June 28—belongs to a sensational Ludovico Blu Art Viberti, who not only took the lead in the 50m breaststroke but also shattered the Italian record. The 23-year-old from Piedmont—competing for Fiamme Oro and CN Torino and coached by Antonio Satta—clocked 26.27, demolishing his previous personal best of 26.80 and beating the previous Italian mark of 26.33 set by Nicolò Martinenghi for the European title in Rome 2022. Viberti’s time is also the world’s fastest this year. The closest rival to the Savoyard breaststroker is Russian Ivan Kozhakin, who posted 26.60. Simone Cerasuolo (Fiamme Oro/Imolanuoto) finished in 27.03, while Olympic 100m champion Martinenghi (Fiamme Oro) touched in 27.06.

“This record is a huge satisfaction and the culmination of so much hard work,” said Viberti, son of Giorgio, a veteran journalist at La Stampa. “I believe I deserve it and I think there’s still room for improvement. I love swimming and it’s almost my entire life. Making it to the World Championships was a goal, but it’s not the finish line: the aim is always to keep improving.”

Viberti’s story is remarkable. His middle name, Blu Art, comes from his parents’ favorite color and a tribute to Art Kenney, a former Simmenthal Milano basketball player from the 1970s. His swimming career almost never started—as a child, he suffered a serious fracture to his left humerus and underwent surgery, with doctors pessimistic about a full recovery. However, thanks to water therapy and swimming, he made a complete recovery. His brother, Federico Giorgio Pietro, is a backstroker, while his sister Eleonora was a solid breaststroker before retiring a few years ago.

Viberti is studying air transport science and technology and, once he retires from swimming, plans to become an air traffic controller. He supports Torino FC and is a fan of American sports, especially the NBA and NFL. As a youngster, he was a promising basketball player—like his father Giorgio, who follows him closely—but ultimately chose swimming.

Other Heats Highlights

The session opened with the 100m butterfly. The fastest time was set by German world champion Angelina Koehler, yesterday’s winner in the 50m, clocking 57.83—the only swimmer under 58 seconds in the morning. Swedish Louise Hansson, bronze medallist at Doha 2024, was second in 58.11. Italy’s always-reliable Costanza Cocconcelli, 23, from Castel San Pietro and competing for Fiamme Gialle and NC Azzurra 91, took third in 58.36—her third-best time ever, just 0.59 shy of her 57.77 set at the Italian Championships in Riccione 2024.

The men’s 200m butterfly final promises to be thrilling. Japan’s Tomoru Honda, Olympic silver medallist at Tokyo 2020, posted the fastest time in 1:56.59. However, the favourite is Britain’s Duncan Scott—second at Paris 2024 in the 200m IM—who was close behind in 1:57.50. Italians will be strong contenders in the evening: Federico Burdisso, 24, from Pavia and Italian record holder (1:54.28), is fourth after a comfortable 1:57.90. Alessandro Ragaini (Carabinieri/Team Marche) and Giacomo Carini (Fiamme Gialle/Can. Vittorino da Feltre) were fifth and sixth in 1:58.13 and 1:58.74, respectively.

The women’s 100m backstroke saw two Italians leading the way and ready to confirm their form in the final. Anita Gastaldi, 22, from Bra, competing for Carabinieri and V02 Nuoto Torino and coached by Fabrizio Clary, set the pace in 1:01.54, with a bold first 50m in 29.86 and a slightly slower second half in 31.68. She was chased by Federica Toma (Carabinieri/In Sport Rane Rosse), second in 1:01.84, aiming for a double after winning the 50m yesterday.

The men’s 50m backstroke was tightly contested. Russians Miron Lifintsev and Pavel Samusenko led in 24.94 and 24.99, respectively. Third place was shared by Michele Lamberti (Fiamme Gialle/GAM Team), coached by his father Giorgio in Brescia, and Lorenzo Mora (Fiamme Rosse/VVFF Modena), trained at the Federal Centre in Ostia by Claudio Rossetto, both clocking 25.22.

World-class finals are expected in the 400m IM. Among the women, British world champion Freya Colbert led in 4:48.07, but Sara Franceschi, finally in good health after injuries late in 2024, was right behind in 4:48.12. The 26-year-old from Livorno, competing for Fiamme Gialle and Livorno Aquatics and coached by her father Stefano, was third at the 2024 Doha Worlds. Among the men, another Brit, Max Litchfield, led in 4:17.45. Italian record holder (4:09.29) Alberto Razzetti, 26, from Lavagna, competing for Fiamme Gialle and Genova Nuoto My Sport, European champion in Rome 2022 and fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was fifth in a relaxed 4:20.80, confident he can perform at a higher level in the final.

The 100m freestyle heats, as usual, were a highlight. Sara Curtis, 18, from Savigliano, competing for Esercito and CS Roero and coached by Thomas Maggiora, was fastest in 54.17, over a second off her Italian record of 53.01 set at the Unipol Italian Championships in Riccione this spring. She was followed by Chiara Tarantino (Fiamme Gialle/In Sport Rane Rosse) in 54.45. Among the men, another young star, Carlos D’Ambrosio, 18, from Valdagno, competing for Fiamme Gialle and Fondazione Bentegodi, led in 48.60 (23.41 at the halfway mark), just 0.05 off his personal best of 48.55 set at the 2024 Italian Age Group Championships. Behind him were Hungary’s Nandor Nemeth in 48.66 and Thomas Ceccon (Fiamme Oro/Leosport) in 48.68.

Finally, in the women’s 50m breaststroke, Benedetta Pilato (CC Aniene) was the only woman under 30 seconds, clocking 29.99—the same time as her 2024 heat. She was followed by Finland’s Veera Kivirnta in 30.56 and Arianna Castiglioni (Fiamme Gialle/Team Insubrika) in 30.71.

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Photo Andrea Staccioli / DBM
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