Sette Colli 2023 - Records

Final Showdown at the Foro Italico: An Afternoon of Exciting Clashes

As the sun began its descent on the final afternoon at the Foro Italico, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The crowd, eager to witness their favorite athletes in action, filled the stands with cheers and applause. It was a day packed with thrilling contests, each promising to be a showcase of skill, determination, and athletic prowess. Here is a recap of today's exhilarating matches:

Women’s 50 Freestyle:
Sarah Sjostrom reigns supreme in speed. She swims just six hundredths of a second slower than her world title time in February, setting a new championship record. The top seven times of the season are all hers. Her compatriot Coleman takes silver in 25.59, while Italian record-holder Sara Curtis (born 2006) finishes third in 24.64.

Men’s 200 Backstroke:
Matteo Restivo lets Velo and Lamberti take the lead in the first 50 meters before taking control of the race and holding on until the end, fending off attacks from world champion Greenbank (1:58.34) and Hungarian Kovacs (1:58.50). The European bronze medalist from Glasgow 2018 secures gold with a time of 1:57.42.

Women’s 200 Backstroke:
Britain’s Honey Orsin wins in 2:09.09, surpassing her more decorated teammate Katie Shanahan in the final 50 meters. The European silver medalist from Rome 2022 takes second in 2:09.35. Italy’s Margherita Panziera, a three-time European champion in this event, finishes third in 2:10.39.

Men’s 50 Butterfly:
World champion from Fukuoka 2023, Thomas Ceccon, edges out the 100 butterfly winner from the 60th Settecolli Trophy, IP Korstanje, by two hundredths of a second. The versatile Italian talent, world record holder in the 100 backstroke, clocks in at 23.01. The Dutchman swims 23.03 for silver, with Lorenzo Gargani taking bronze in 23.36.

Women’s 200 Butterfly:
In a thrilling comeback race, Keanna Macinnes wins in 2:08.88, overtaking world champion and compatriot Laura Stephens, who finishes in 2:09.80 for silver. Japan’s Mitsui Airi, twenty years old, claims bronze in 2:10.28.

Men’s 200 Breaststroke:
An exciting battle between national teammates unfolds in this breaststroke event. Tokyo 2021 silver medalist Kamminga and Doha world championships silver medalist Corbeau race neck and neck until the 150-meter mark, where Corbeau surges ahead. Corbeau finishes in 2:09.28, followed by Kamminga in 2:10.59. Thirty-five-year-old Giorgetti takes bronze with a time of 2:11.37.

Women’s 200 Breaststroke:
World champion Tes Schouten dominates from the first meter, winning in 2:21.48. Italian record holder Fangio delivers a strong performance, finishing second in 2:23.91. Martina Carraro secures bronze, matching her earlier half-distance result, with a time of 2:24.92.

Men’s 200 Freestyle:
Lukas Maertens proves his excellent form by claiming gold in this distance following his 800 victory yesterday. He wins with a strong finish in 1:45.79. British swimmer Guy, who led for three-quarters of the race, relinquishes the lead near the end, finishing in 1:46.63. Tokyo 2021 silver medalist Duncan Scott takes bronze with a time of 1:46.63.

Women’s 400 Freestyle:
Simona Quadarella completes a hat-trick, winning the 400 freestyle. After letting her competitors lead in the early part of the race, she takes the lead at 250 meters and never looks back, finishing in 4:06.43, which ranks as the 22nd best performance worldwide this season. The rest of the podium is Brazilian: Gabrielle Roncatto takes silver in 4:07.21 after setting a personal best in the 800 yesterday, and her compatriot De Oliveira Da Silva Costa swims 4:07.21 for bronze.

Men’s 200 Individual Medley:
Daiya Seto doubles up, taking the 200 IM after his 400 IM win yesterday, leading from the first stroke to finish in 1:57.66. World bronze medalist Alberto Razzetti claims silver in 1:58.99, overtaking compatriot Matteazzi, who finishes in 1:59.56.

Women’s 200 Individual Medley:
European short-course champion Abbie Wood dominates from the start, winning in 2:09.26. Sara Franceschi yields in the final stretch to Olympic champion Ohashi, who finishes in 2:11.25 against the Italian's 2:11.75.

Men’s 1500 Freestyle:
Wiffen attempts to break away in the early meters, but by 400 meters, he is already level with Olympic bronze medalist Wellbrock, who initially seems faster. The Irish champion holds on, creating a head-to-head race with a slight edge for the German. Italian De Tullio chases behind, swimming faster than the leading pair halfway through and steadily gaining. With two-thirds of the race complete, Wiffen takes the lead, only 0.8 seconds ahead, with the Italian close behind. Wiffen falters as the Italian surges, but the German remains in front. The final two laps are intense, solidifying the positions established over the last 300 meters. Wellbrock wins in 14:46.37, Luca De Tullio sets a personal best with 14:48.77, and world champion Wiffen finishes third in 14.53.39.

Here are the highlights from the 2024 Sette Colli Trophy, a premier event in the international swimming calendar. The esteemed pool at the Foro Italico in Rome served as a magnificent setting for this remarkable tournament, attracting elite athletes from around the world.

We witnessed thrilling contests that foreshadow the excitement of the upcoming Paris Olympics. Foreign athletes inspired our Italians, motivating them to compete for the Olympic’s standard time. For many, it was their final chance to achieve qualifying times and secure spots on their national teams.

As always, the Sette Colli Trophy delivered a world-class swimming spectacle in what is unanimously regarded as the most beautiful pool in the world.

We look forward to seeing you again for the 2025 edition.

Clik here for all the results:

Settecolli. Flash quotes day 3

Shown below the podium and flash quotes of the third day of the 60th edition of Sette Colli / International Swimming Trophy, taking place at the Swimming Stadium in Rome.

Women 50m Freestyle

1 - Sarah Sjostrom
“I felt very good today, it is very good to do this kind of time of the year so i’m happy with that. I’m very happy with the CR, I love Rome it’s great.”

2 - Michelle Coleman
“I thought and hoped I went faster, but that's okay, I had a great time here, it's a beautiful place and it was one of the best tournaments in recent years, incredible organization and management.”

3 - Sara Curtis
"Great emotion swimming near Sarah, in the lane next to mine, It’s awesome swim next to champions like that. Being the youngest swimmer at the Olympics excites me very much, it is worthy of many years of work and it will be great to participate in the Olympics after these races."

Men 200m Backstroke

1 - Matteo Restivo
"Despite the result I am not fully satisfied with the race. The training lately made me hope in something less. But since we left Florence I've had some physical problems including a bit of fever. These last days were not reassuring. But let’s see how it will go!"

2 - Luke Greenwood
"I felt good in the water, even though I was a bit tired. I am satisfied. Swimming here is fantastic, I love Rome, this pool. The weather here is great and the fans are amazing."

3 - Benedek Kovacs
"MY race was not so good, I crushed the rope a little, it’s so difficult swimming outside without reference points in the sky. I’m so disappointed also because this is the last race of the season.

Women 200m Backstroke

1 - Osrin Honey
“I'm underbreath, happy with my swim after many weeks of training, I tried to manage the times per lap as best I could and I'm very satisfied, a fantastic environment in a beautiful pool where I really wanted to compete and where I swam great.”

2 - Shanahan Katie
“It’s very good meeting and I’m really happy with that, I’m not really happy with time but you know at this moment is really hard because I’m training for the Olimpics.”

3 - Margherita Panziera
“I was hoping much better, especially yesterday the 100, physically I was fine but unfortunately the excitement was felt, made me completely wrong race,I’m happy because anyway I managed to get the medal in the 200, I lowered a bit compared to this morning. The time is not exceptional but still it’s okay. From these seven hills I take away a lot of fatigue, but for many years I’ve competed here and it’s always nice and exciting, especially the audience.”

Men 50 Butterfly

1 - Thomas Ceccon
"Lately I put a little bit aside this distance to train more for back and freestyle. But it’s still a good result and it’s a useful input. Now I feel fine, I just want to relax. The Olympic Games will be a wonderful event with a wonderful national team."

2 - Nyls Korstanye
"I felt good in the water and I am satisfied, but I could have gone a little faster. Swimming in Rome is wonderful, the fans are amazing."

3 - Lorenzo gargani
"I felt quite good in the water, maybe I’ve been a little bit influenced by the delay of the race but I’m really happy with the time because it’s my PB."

Women 200m Butterfly

1 - Macinnes Keanna
“Was really though today, I don’t like the time but I’m going still training especially for the Olimpics. I love this pool is one of my favorite.”

2 - Laura Kathleen Stephens
"The race was good, I mean it’s another step into the preparation. I’m happy with the performance, I raced as the best l could do. This is one of my favourite pools, I love racing here, it was amazing and the crowd is awesome."

3 - Mitusi Airi
"I'm not satisfied with my race, I was in a bad period where I trained a lot and in the end I didn't reach my goal."

Men 200m Breaststroke

1 - Caspar Corbeau
"I swam a little bit slower than I wanted, I’m really tired because of we are on a hard training in preparation for the Olympics. These races here at settecolli were a test in view of the games so it’s a part of the journey. We’re going to Gloria Sport Arena for a training camp with the Olympic team before heading to Paris."

2 - Arno Kamminga
"I am satisfied with my race, I swam a second faster than last week and I felt good. Coming here to Rome is always nice, the audience is warm and fun."

3 - Edoardo Giorgetti
"It is always thrilling to compete here, this pool and this lane have special meanings for me. I'm enjoying the moment. I had a good race, I wanted to show that I could still give something and I did."

Women 200m Breaststroke

1 - Schouten Tes
“I felt very good the time wasn’t very bad. I need to rest right now but i know that i have to training hard for the olimpics, I’m excited but nervous at the same time. I love Settecolli and Rome.”

2 - Francesca Fangio
"I feel very happy, I knew I had to repeat myself after the performance of the Assoluti since I had already managed to swim the FINA time limit, so today I confirmed myself, I prepared this race in a tough way, because I too am starting to have my 29 years in which I begin to suffer a little and it was very tiring, but it is my race and I put all my heart into it."

3 - Carraro Martina
"Now I take a year off, I do what I couldn’t do in these years and then I decide. It’s a break and we’ll see later. I started in this pool with 50 breaststokes and ended up here with 200 breaststrokes. The most exciting medal is the world bronze and no other medal will ever match that."

Men 200m Freestyle

1 - Lukas Maertens
"I felt a bit tired after the 800 I did yesterday, but this race went good anyway. Two days and two wins, I am very satisfied. This is my last race here, now I will have two weeks of training camps and then it’s time for the Olympics. It will be fantastic.

2 - James Guy
"I felt pretty good, it’s not one of my best times but this was just a step for my preparation for the Olympics."

3 - Duncan Scott

Women 400m Freestyle

1 - Simona Quadarella
"Great emotions, but I was quite tired from yesterday and the day before yesterday, but I also wanted to win this race and I brought it home so I'm very happy, I thank my family, my coach and my society who are always by my side and they support me.

2 - Silvia De Oliviera
“I feel very good today, this wasn’t my best time but I tired because I’m training for the Olimpics. I’m actually excited for this. I hope i going to be better next time.”

3 - Gabriella Roncatto
"Yesterday I swam a little better, today I struggled, but still the race has been done and I’m happy. It is beautiful to swim in Rome, the Italian crowd is fantastic and very involved. I feel very good here and every time I come here to compete I feel awesome."

Men 200m Individual Medley

1 - Daiya seto
"I swam a little slow today but I’m preparing myself for the Olympics so it’s ok. I’m going to France, close to Paris with the Japan Olympic team for a training camp before heading to Paris."

2 - Alberto Razzetti
"I am happy with the races over the past two days. I didn't come in the best condition and I came here to have fun. I'm not in the best condition, I came here to have fun."

3 - Massimiliano Matteazzi
"Today I achieved my personal best, I'm happy. After the 100, I saw Alberto a bit slower, I thought I could pass him but I didn't manage to. I'm sorry I didn't make the final with my brother."

Women 200m Individual Medley

1 - Wood Abbi
“I’m really happy about the race, it was a fundamental step for my preparation to the Olimpics, now I’m going to keep trining for at least two weeks.”

2 - Ohashi Yui
I focused a lot on the race, I didn't even think once about the fact that I am the reigning champion of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, I am very happy to have participated in this tournament in this beautiful city."

3 - Sara Franceschi
"It is beautiful because as soon as you enter the tank you know that the audience is rooting for you and therefore it is even more beautiful, and having the audience on your side makes it a plus. I go to the Olympics with a lot of experience, it’s my third Olympics, I’m confident, I’m training well and we’ll see what happens in a month."

Men 1500m Freestyle

1 - Florian Wellbrock
"It was a very tough race, I didn't feel my best in the water but the time was very good and I am very satisfied. Rome is a beautiful city, swimming in this stadium, with this audience, is always exciting."

2 - Luca De Tullio
"I felt like I was going fast, but I didn't expect this time. I prefer the 800 a little more because it's a bit faster, but I had a lot of fun this time. The cheering here got me very excited, I hardly see the crowd during the race, but when I do it's always a great boost."

3 - Wiffen Daniel
"It was a good swim tonight I’m really happy with it. It’s always very amazing racing here in Rome, the atmosphere is so lovely. You asked me if I’ll swim the 10km as open waters at the Olympics? We will see there."

Thrilling Clashes Set the Stage for Final Day at Sette Colli Trophy

The final day of qualifiers at the Sette Colli Trophy promises excitement and fierce competition. Here’s a rundown of the morning's action:

Women’s 50m Freestyle:
Sarah Sjöström clocked the fastest time with 24.06, a noteworthy performance given she already leads the world rankings this season. This time would also rank as the fifth fastest in the world this season. Michelle Coleman secured the second fastest time at 24.59. The young and highly talented Sara Curtis came in third with 24.66.

Men’s 200m Backstroke:
Luke Greenbank, a bronze medalist at Tokyo 2021, posted the fastest time at 1:59.54, holding off a strong contingent of Italian swimmers. Buonaguro was close behind in 1:59.90. Lamberti, who set a national record in the 50m backstroke yesterday, recorded the third fastest time with 2:00.37.

Women’s 200m Backstroke:
Multiple European champion Margherita Panziera led the qualifiers with a time of 2:11.23. She aims for the Olympic qualifying time and gold tonight but will face stiff competition from England’s Osrin (2:11.23) and double European bronze medalist Burian (2:12.29).

Men’s 50m Butterfly:
An exciting race saw Korstanje, the 100m butterfly winner from two days ago, with the fastest time of 23.07. The versatile Ceccon, 2023 world champion in this event, was second in 23.07. Italy’s Grargani came third with 23.58. Current world record holder Andriy Govorov was fourth with 23.69.

Women’s 200m Butterfly:
World champion Stephens led with 2:10.45.
Fellow countrywoman Macinnes won the fourth heat with 2:11.11, securing the second fastest time.
Portugal’s Monteiro was third with 2:11.71.

Men’s 200m Breaststroke:
Arno Kamminga, Olympic silver medalist, swam 2:11.45 to take the center lane for the afternoon final.
His compatriot Corbeau, who has shown strong performances in recent days, was second with 2:11.76.
Chillingworth from Hong Kong clocked 2:12.43 for third place.

Women’s 200m Breaststroke:
Evans from England posted the fastest time of 2:25.60. Italian record holder Francesca Fangio was second with 2:26.08. World champion Tes Schouten came third with 2:26.60.

Men’s 200m Freestyle:
The world’s top-ranked swimmer this season, Lukas Maertens, led the heats with 1:47.10. Olympic silver medalist Duncan Scott was close behind with 1:47.30. Italy’s Ciampi secured third place with 1:47.71. Another world champion in the field, England’s James Guy, qualified sixth with 1:47.95.

Women’s 400m Freestyle:
Brazil’s Roncatto posted the fastest time with 4:10.60. Mary-Sophie Harvey was a close second with 4:10.92. Another Brazilian, De Oliveira Da Silva, took third with 4:10.98. Local favorite Quadarella qualified fourth with 4:11.63 and will look to leverage home crowd support for a third victory in the trophy.

Men’s 200m Individual Medley:
Italy’s Massimiliano Matteazzi was the only swimmer under the two-minute mark, clocking 1:59.62. Groters from Aruba followed with 2:00.55. Japan’s Seto (2:00.62) will be aiming for a repeat victory after winning the 400 IM yesterday.

Women’s 200m Individual Medley:
2023 short course European champion Abbie Wood led the qualifiers with 2:11.87.Olympic champion Yui Ohashi was second with 2:13.22.Italy’s Sara Franceschi, bronze medalist in the double distance at the Doha 2024 World Championships, was third with 2:13.61.World champion Freya Colbert closely followed with 2:13.61, setting the stage for a highly competitive final.

Click here for the results.

Settecolli. Flash quotes day 2

Shown below the podium and flash quotes of the second day of the 60th edition of Sette Colli / International Swimming Trophy, taking place at the Swimming Stadium in Rome.

100 butterfly women

1- Louise Hansson
"It was a good race considering we are training vary hard for Olympic Games. It’s always a pleasure to swim in this pool because it’s the most beautiful one in the whole world and I love the atmosphere. Last time I was there was for the European Championships in 2022 and I have many lovely memories here."

2- Ikee Rikako
"I am very satisfied with my race. During this morning's heats, I felt pretty slow, especially in the last fifty meters. This afternoon went much better."

3- Viola Scotto di Carlo
"I’m very happy with this race, it was good to make the time limit. It was not easy lately, I come from some health problems and it despite all it was a nice race, I’m happy."

200 butterfly men

1- Giacomo Carini
"I felt very good in the water, this morning I already knew that I could have gone fast. After the heat I had good feelings, it's been a while since I've been able to put the good feelings of the morning into the afternoon. I’m very happy for my time. I came here with the goal of qualifying and I succeeded."

2- Federico Burdisso

3- Alessandro Ragaini
"Great race. I really like 200 butterfly so I'm very happy to do it. I enjoy it and the feelings were excellent, so I'm satisfied with the result."

100 dorso fem

1- Kira Toussaint
"I’m very happy with this time even though I would have preferred to have gone under sixty seconds, of course you want to be better and faster every time you swim. I’m under a hard training heading to the Olympics next month as well. I really love this pool because it’s surrounded by nature with all the trees, and I think it’s the most beautiful pool in the world; I choose to come here in Italy despite my group of training is still in Spain for Spanish Olympic Trials to enjoy the atmosphere."

2- Maaike De Waard
"I felt good in the water and I am satisfied. I love competing in Rome, it's a fantastic city and being here is always a unique emotion."

3- Kathleen Dawson
"It was a great race, I did good and I’m very happy, it was one of my best race so far. I love Rome, it’s my favorite to race, I’m very happy to swim here."

50 backstroke mas

1- Michele Lamberti
"I'm very happy for my first Italian record in the long course, reaching Thomas Ceccon. Maybe it was just supposed to go like this! After we have been training together for a year and a half we are now heading to the Olympics. I would like to thank our group in Verona and of course my parents."

2- Thomas Ceccon
"I had good feeling today. In the 50 you struggle to figure out where you are, so either you go by feeling or you try to find some reference. Today I chose the first and I feel like I went straight. I'm satisfied with the time."

3-  Guilherme Basseto
"I enjoyed this race, unlike the 100. I'm not training for the 50. Today I liked the result and I'm happy with the third place. Now my focus is on the Olympics."

400 individual medley women

1- Ellen Walshe
"I am really surprised about myself because I didn't expect to swim that fast. My start was very fast but I was able to hold it on, so I’m very delighted. This is my last race before the Olympics and after Settecolli I’m going to a training camp in Templeogue, my hometown. I will be at home for a while before departing to Paris few days before the competitions start."

2- Sara Franceschi
"I am very satisfied with this race, especially in view of the Olympics. We have just come back from high-altitude training, so we still have significant loads. Swimming in this pool is always wonderful, and the Italian crowd never stops cheering you on."

3- Freya Colbert
"It didn't go well. I felt better this morning and it showed, I can do a lot better than this, I’m not very satisfied. The training is going well, I’m done with races and hoping in some rest to be ready for Paris."

400 individual medley men

1- Daiya Seto
"I felt very good today in the water. I would have liked to do 4'07: I didn’t but it’s still fine. I really like Rome and this meeting for the cheering.”

2-  Max Litchfield
"I was hoping for go faster than that, but I think that at this point of the season, it is still good to do a 4'15 or 4'14. I felt quite feel like I had everything there tonight. I had that top gear to go to, but yeah, we're in a good place. And yeah, looking forward to the summer.

3- Charlie Hutchison
"It was amazing, one of the best finals I have ever competed. The fans in Rome filled all the stands creating a great atmosphere. I am very happy to represent my Scotland, I will go back to training to give my all in the next races."

100 freestyle women

1- Sarah Sjostrom
"It was really good, my goal here was going under 53 seconds and I did it, so I’m very happy”

2- Siobhan Haughey
"It was a good race. I was more focused on how to swim than on the time because I am coming from a very intense training. Swimming in Rome is always fantastic; the fans are so warm, and this pool is full of history and tradition."

3- Anna Hopkin
"It was really great to race today, and to race next to Sarah. I’m so happy with that. I love racing here, the crowd is really loud, there’s always a beautiful atmosphere, and is nice to race outdoor."

100 freestyle men

1- Alessandro Miressi
"Not one of the best feelings but I'm happy with the Championships record. I was hoping a little bit less, but I'm very happy with this 48"08. I thank the people who support me from home and who are here."

2- Matthew Richards
"My feeling today was very good, I’m training very hard in this moment for the Olympics. I love competing against the other guys and everyone did very well especially Alessandro. I love Rome, the cheering, the people, everything.”

3- Guilherme Santos
"It was a tough race, really hard. But it's a good training for Olympic Games. I'm having so much fun."

50 breastroke women

1- Benedetta Pilato
"I am happy with how it went. It’s a further confirmation; I can still improve a bit, but I am satisfied. Swimming in Rome, in our stadium, is always exciting, especially in front of a crowd like this."

2- Sophie Hansson
"I feel pretty good, I’m happy with the time and how the race went. This marks the of where I am in the training season. I’m quite happy."

3- Lisa Angiolini
"The 50 metres is like a rollercoaster for me, but I’m really happy with this race. Considering the time I've just swam, I’m really confident for the Olympics"

50 breaststroke men

1- Nicolò Martinenghi
"I felt very good today in the water, This afternoon I was more tired than this morning. I knew I didn’t have the race I would have liked to swim, the cheering helped me a lot, that's very nice.”

2- Ludovico Blu Art Viberti
"Today it's been a very good race. After the burden I took off yesterday in the 100, today it was just a matter of having fun. I competed with great champions like Adam and Nicolò, so I enjoyed a lot."

3- Simone Cerasuolo
"It's not one of the best feelings, but I am happy with the medal. I trained for this as best as I could. Last months have been a bit hard, and the fatigue was also showed in the competition."

800 freestyle women

1- Simona Quadarella
"I feel really good. Usually at Settecolli I do better in the 1500. I am more tired in the 800 because I do not have the time to recover, but this time I felt really well. I see this Olimpics games in a positive way, I needed this races to understand how I am training. I hope the Games will be great."

2- Isabel Marie Gose
"It was a very tough race. I was ahead of Simona Quadarella for almost the entire race, even though we were always very close. It's a pity about the second place, but I am happy with the time."

3- Leonie Maertens
"I’m very happy with this race because it’s my best time. I had fun racing here against Simona and Isabel. I really love this pool, the atmosphere just made me think about the 2022 European Championships. I really love Italy, the country, the pool and the people, so it’s so warming racing here."

800 freestyle men

1- Lukas Maertens
"This was a great victory for me. I swam really fast. I am training very hard for Olympics, and I am very excited for Paris."

2- Luca De Tullio
"I didn't expect to do this time at all. I felt this race like a European final in all respects, the level was very high, so being able to improve myself is extraordinary. It's been a good training for Olympics, I am still not qualified for sure, but I hope this time will be enough.

3- Daniel Wieffen
"Pretty well. It was a tough race, but I'm quite happy with my time."


Foto Andrea Staccioli DBM
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Second Day of the Sette Colli: Spectacular Races at the Foro Italico

The second day of finals at the Trofeo Sette Colli IP kicks off at 6:00 PM, with the Monte Mario stands packed with enthusiastic fans ready to cheer on their champions. The spectacle is guaranteed with the numerous thrilling races we have lined up today. In the water, we'll see Olympic champions, world champions, and European champions—top-level athletes seeking the right sensations ahead of the most important event: the Olympic Games.

Attending the races and presenting the awards was also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani.

With roaring crowds and a vibrant atmosphere, we are set for an evening of outstanding swimming, where every race could deliver unforgettable moments and record-breaking performances. The elite of international swimming will compete fiercely, promising excitement and suspense until the very last stroke. All that remains is for us to enjoy the show and cheer on our champions in this prestigious setting.

Clik here for the results.

Sette Colli: Heats Day 2 Summary

Second morning of competition at Foro Italico Pool. The atmosphere was electric as athletes dove into the water for the morning heats, each one vying for a coveted spot in this afternoon’s finals.

The day kicked off with the women's 100m butterfly heats. Japan’s Rikako Ikee, who made headlines as a young prodigy before a prolonged illness halted her career, posted the fastest time of 58.03. She was closely followed by Sweden’s Louise Hansson, clocking 58.30, fresh off a personal best in the 50m the previous day. Italy’s Costanza Cocconcelli secured third with 59.00. Notably, double Olympic medley champion Yui Ohashi and Canadian standout Mary-Sophie Harvey missed out on the final.

In the men's 200m butterfly, Tokyo 2021 Olympic bronze medalist Federico Burdisso topped the penultimate qualifying heat with a time of 1:57.39. He will face a formidable challenge in the final from compatriot Giacomo Carini, who recorded the second-fastest overall time of 1:57.99 after an impressive performance in the B final of the 100m butterfly. Brazilian swimmer Nicolas Albiero posted the third fastest qualifying time with 1:58.24, while world medallist Alberto Razzetti wasn’t far behind, finishing fourth in 1:59.28.

Dutch champion Kira Toussaint led the women’s 100m backstroke with a time of 1:00.73, followed closely by compatriot Maaike de Waard, a specialist in both backstroke and butterfly sprints, with 1:00.91. Great Britain's Kathleen Dawson, an Olympic champion in the mixed medley relay, secured third with 1:01.80.

In the men's 50m backstroke, Michele Lamberti continued his impressive form, leading the heats with a personal best of 24.83. Brazilian Guilherme Basseto finished second, winning his heat in 25.12, and Japan’s Katsuhiro Matsuyama claimed third with 25.23.

World champion Freya Colbert topped the women’s 400m individual medley heats with a time of 4:41.00, following her bronze in the 200m freestyle the previous day. The second-best time came from the “Iron Lady” and new mother, Katinka Hosszu, who finished in 4:42.97. Another British swimmer, Katie Shanahan, rounded out the top three with 4:43.29.

In the men’s 400m individual medley, Doha World silver medallist Max Litchfield recorded the fastest time of the morning with 4:15.47. Japanese swimming star Daiya Seto, a three-time world champion and Rio 2016 bronze medallist in this event, followed with 4:16.62. Italy’s Pier Andrea Matteazzi finished third, clocking 4:17.46.

The women's 100m freestyle final promises to be thrilling, headlined by world record holder Sarah Sjostrom, who posted the fastest qualifying time of 53.41. She will be joined in the final by reigning Olympic silver medallist Siobhan Haughey, who recorded 53.93. Both swimmers secured victories in their respective events yesterday, setting the stage for an exciting showdown. Great Britain’s Anna Hopkin, an Olympic champion in the mixed medley relay, qualified third with 53.95 and will also be a strong contender.

The men’s 100m freestyle final is set to be a nail-biter, with the top eight finalists separated by just 0.52 seconds. Leading the pack is Great Britain’s Matthew Richards, the 2023 world champion in the 200m freestyle, with 48.73. Brazilian sprint ace Bruno Santos is close behind in 48.79. Italy’s Alessandro Miressi, silver medallist in this event at the recent Doha Worlds, and British multi-Olympic medallist Duncan Scott both posted 48.90, tying for third.

Italian swimmers dominated the women’s 50m breaststroke heats. Benedetta Pilato led the field with another sub-30 second performance, clocking 29.99. Lisa Angiolini, silver medallist in the 100m breaststroke at the European Championships in this pool two years ago, followed in 30.58. Arianna Castiglioni, a multiple European medallist, secured third with 30.69, while reigning champion Ruta Meilutytė failed to advance.

In the men’s 50m breaststroke, Italy’s Nicolo Martinenghi led the heats with a time of 26.56. He aims to repeat his gold medal performance from yesterday. Ludovico Blu Art Viberti finished second in 26.87, seeking another strong performance following his excellent result on Friday. Simone Cerasuolo, a world bronze medallist in this event in short course, qualified third with 26.94. World record holder and Olympic champion Adam Peaty secured the fifth spot with 27.14 and will be a key contender in the final.

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Sette Colli. Flash quotes day 1

Shown below the podium and flash quotes of the second day of the 60th edition of Sette Colli / International Swimming Trophy, taking place at the Swimming Stadium in Rome.

100 backstroke M

1 - Ceccon Thomas

"I pushed and gave everything I had at this moment, I did not arrive here well-prepared, especially in the turns. I still don't know which other races I will do at Settecolli, and I want to decide calmly. What mattered to me was to see if I am still competitive, after an autumn where I started well but then had some injuries."

2 - Lamberti Michele

"The sensations were good; I knew I could have a good race. Maybe I pushed a little too hard at the beginning of the first 50 meters. I tried to keep going but paid for it a bit at the end. There's still some room for improvement. Now I hope that this time will be good enough for the Olympics."

3 - Bacico Christian

"I swam better than this morning, I made a mistake, a turn that was too wide which affected the result a bit, but I am satisfied."

50 backstroke W

1 - Lauren Cox

"I feel very good and I am happy about the victory. It's always difficult to swim outdoors without references. I really like Rome, it's the third time I've been here, I love this pool and the audience".

2 - Maaike de Waard

"The pool is fantastic, I had pretty good feelings. I hoped I swam a bit faster, but I’m happy with my time. I will compete in the 100 back as well and I am very focused on my next Olympics. The training is going well."

3 - Louise Hansson

"I’m very happy about that because it’s a PB so definitely went good. It’s not an Olympic distance but as a backstroke and butterfly sprinter I feel so confident for the 100 backstroke which I’m going to swim at the Olympics, and it’s a distance I’ve never done in any world or olympics championships. It’s a good test also for the 100 butterfly that I’m going to swim tomorrow."

400 freestyle M

1 - Costa Guilherme
“I'm very good. It's my second best time in this year. I'm very happy for this.”

2 - Henveaux Lucas

“I feel very good. This morning, It was really hard for me to swim the second part of the race, at the end I was tired and tonight was a training session to prepare for the Olympics. It was really hard at the end, but I am very happy with the time. It's such a great meet, and this was my second-best time.”

3 - Oliveira De Moraes Eduar

“Despite the result I am very happy given my Brazil's qualification for the Olympics, unfortunately I used a horrible strategy by going too fast at the start which made me exhaust myself and struggled to reach the end, but I am happy to represent my country at the Olympics”.

200 freestyle W

1 - Siobhan Haughey
This is my last event before the Olympics, the training now is very hard but I hope I will do a bit less then now. Rome is amazing, this is a fast pool, so it’s always funny to race here.

2 - Freya Colbert

"I could have swum a little faster, but I am satisfied; I had a good feeling in the water. Swimming in Rome is always exciting. I love this pool, and the audience is magnificent.".

3 - Mary Sophie Harvey

"I’m very pleased with the time because it’s my second best time this year and we’re on a very hard training because this was just a step before heading to the Olympics. I’m staying in Europe for a training camp (in Spain) which is the last block of hard training before going to Paris and joining the rest of team Canada."

100 breaststroke M

1 - Martinenghi Nicolò

“Well today I wanted to get to the front also to make the public happy, I've never competed so close to them, I felt good even if I wasn't at 100%, the time is good, I wanted to do under 59 so I'm satisfied”

2 - Corbeau Casper

“I felt pretty good. This is going to be my last competition before Paris, so using it as a tune-up or try to get in the mood of racing and executing the race well. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it.”

3 - Viberti Ludovico 

“It was a crazy race, an emotion to compete against Peaty, Martinenghi, the Dutch, I couldn't wait to compete, I enjoyed it, the goal was to get ahead of the others and somehow I did it”

100 butterfly M

1 - Korstanje Nyls

“I felt very good except for the last 5 meters, at the end it really hurts but at the end is always a trining”

2 - Valsecchi Edoardo

“I’m sad, I’ll make up for it in the next race”

3 - Sansone Gianmarco 

"There was a bit of anxiety given the pressure of going to the Olympics which certainly influenced the time, but there was the home crowd who motivated me a lot thanks to their support, we continue to work day after day to reach the goals our goals"

100 breaststroke W

1 - Benedetta Pilato

"I’ve been working to beat this record for a long time, it was only missing a little each time, but I’m really confident this time finally arrived. I have many dreams for this summer, which obviously are the Olympic Games but also my university studies."

2 - Angharad Evans

"It was a good race and I feel very well. I am preparing my best for the Olympics. Being in Rome is really wonderful, I hope to come back soon."

3 - Martina Carraro
"It’s a special race. This will be my last 100 breaststroke, and I am happy ad glad I swam it here, I have wonderful memories in this pool. I am happy to share the podium with Benedetta and to have seen her finally get the Italian record! See you on Sunday for the 200 breaststroke. 

50 butterfly W

1 - Sarah Sjostrom
I’m satisfied and hopeful for next events. Even though they are not the Olympic Games I’m working hard on everything, this is my distance and it is getting me ready for the 50 freestyle. It’s amazing to be here because I feel a lot Italian audience and that’s really important for me.

2 - Ikee Rikako

I felt really bad because the water in this pool is colder than the swimming pools in Japan, despite that I’m very happy about the time I swam tonight. I wanted to go under 25.5 but I needed to relax me more in view of the Olympics. I’m going to Nanterre in 10 days, then for the last part of preparation in view for the Olympics I’m going to Amiens. I’ve never been to Italy before, this is my first time at 7hills and I really love with the atmosphere, even if today the temperature are very high.

3 - Viola Scotto di Carlo

"The race went really well; I already had good feelings this morning. I was coming off a not-so-easy period due to mononucleosis. I am very happy to have recorded my personal best. Competing alongside Sjöström is always motivating. I will never get used to the effect of this audience; swimming here is always fantastic."

50 freestyle M

1 - Proud Benjamin

“You know, coming to Rome every year to race in Settecolli is a very good part of our preparation, and yeah, it was great to do a good race, and Leonardo really tied to my heels, so it was a good preparation, good meet, good race, yeah, beautiful crowd”

2 - Deplano Leonardo

"Very positive feelings despite the fact that I didn't arrive at these competition very prepared, but I had positive feelings beyond the not optimal physical conditions, I didn't expect it at all my goal was to go below 22.0 maybe 21 high and in the end this is one of my best times ever, I had a lot of fun especially racing with Benjamin Proud.

3 - Santos Carib

“I felt very good in the water, i was so excited to be here in rome because was my first time here, everyone was great”

1500 freestyle W

1 - Simona Quadarella

"I am very happy, this is an important motivation towards the Olympics. I am not yet at my peak form, but this is an added value because I felt good in the water. I felt a bit heavy on my shoulders due to the training load".

2 - Isabel Gose

I’m very happy with the time because I’m really tired we arrived today from the training camp, but it’s a PB so I’m very happy with that.

3 - Leonie Marteens
It was a hard race, especially in the second part, but I am happy with my time. I’v just been in Sierra Nevada for the altitude training and we arrived with the team yesterday in Roma. I will compete also in the 800 before leaving Italy.

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Sette Colli: Finals of the First Day. A Parade of Champions

The early afternoon finals of the sixtieth Settecolli Trophy IP took place today at the stunning Foro Italico swimming pool, showcasing remarkable performances by some of the world’s top swimmers.
The finals alternated between the B finals, featuring athletes who placed ninth to sixteenth in this morning's heats, and the A finals, reserved for the top eight times of the morning. The session concluded with the first series of the women's 1500 freestyle, featuring the swimmers with the top ten entry times.
Here’s a recap of the races:

Men's 100m Backstroke: Thomas Ceccon started strong, leading at the first turn, followed closely by Matteo Lamberti. In the second 50 meters, the world champion stretched out his lead, winning the race with a time of 52.43, his second-best performance of the season and a new championship record. An all-Italian podium was completed by Matteo Lamberti in second place with a personal best of 53.35 and the young Alessandro Bacico in third (54.05).

Women's 50m Backstroke: The women's backstroke sprint saw the bronze medalist from the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, Lauren Cox, clinch victory with a time of 28.01. The English swimmer edged out Dutch Maaike de Waard (28.04) at the finish, who had won bronze here at the European Championships two years ago. Third place went to Sweden's Sophie Hansson (28.05).

Men's 400m Freestyle: Belgian swimmer Henveaux, 23, took an early lead, reaching the halfway mark with nearly a two-second advantage over the nearest competitor and maintaining this lead through the 300 meters. However, in the final stretch, Brazilian swimmers Fernando Oliveira De Moraes and João Costa surged forward, with Costa ultimately winning the race with a time of 3:45.33. Henveaux followed in 3:45.81, and Oliveira De Moraes completed the podium with a time of 3:46.29.

Women's 200m Freestyle: The Tokyo 2021 Olympic silver medalist Siobhan Haughey took the lead before the 100-meter mark and held it to the finish, clocking in at 1:55.35. Canadian Mary-Sophie Harvey finished second with a time of 1:56.36, while 20-year-old Briton Freya Colbert touched third in 1:56.58.

Men's 100m Breaststroke: Italian champion Nicolò Martinenghi led at the halfway point, withstanding challenges from his competitors to finish first in 58.90. In second place, Dutch swimmer Corbeau, the silver medalist in the 200m breaststroke at the recent World Championships in Doha, finished with a time of 59.23. Third place went to Italian Viberti with a personal best of 59.27. The crowd gave a rousing applause to super champion Adam Peaty, who finished off the podium with a time of 59.51.

Women's 100m Breaststroke: In the women's 100m breaststroke, fast starter Benedetta Pilato led by over half a second at the halfway mark. British swimmer Imogen Clark seemed to close the gap but not enough to win. Pilato finished in 1:05.44, the fifth-fastest time in the world this season and a new Italian record. Clark took second place, breaking the 1:06 barrier with 1:05.91. The bronze medal went to 2019 World Championships bronze medalist Martina Carraro, who announced this would be her final 100m breaststroke race, concluding a magnificent career.

Men's 100m Butterfly: The 100m butterfly was dominated by Dutch swimmer Nyls Korstanje, a crucial member of the Dutch relay teams, who set a blistering pace to win in 50.90 his season best, over a second faster than his closest rivals. Italy's Edoardo Valsecchi secured second place with a personal best of 52.01, and Gianmarco Sansone took the bronze medal in 52.22. A special mention goes to Giacomo Carini, who won the B final in 52.00, although it was not eligible for medals.

Women's 50m Butterfly: Sarah Sjöström delivered a stunning performance in the 50m butterfly, smashing the Settecolli record with a time of 24.73, reaffirming her dominance in this event. Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee finished second in 25.63, and Italy's Viola Scotto Di Carlo claimed third place with a personal best of 25.89.

Men's 50m Freestyle: The sprint event is the domain of Ben Proud, a multi-time world medalist in this distance, who touched first in 21.62. Italian Leonardo Deplano, a double world silver medalist in the relay, finished second in 21.76, and the bronze went to Brazilian swimmer Bruno Fratus with a time of 21.97.

Women's 1500m Freestyle: The evening concluded with the longest race on the swimming program: the women's 1500m freestyle, featuring the hometown favorite, Roman swimmer Simona Quadarella.

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Chapter One of the Sette Colli 2024

The Settecolli competition is crucial, serving as the last test before the Paris Olympics and the final chance for athletes aiming to secure a spot on the national team.
Renowned for its high level of competition, this year's event is no exception, with the morning heats already showcasing the fierce determination of the swimmers.

The event kicked off with the men's 100m backstroke heats, featuring world record holder and 2023 world champion Thomas Ceccon , who smoothly advanced to the finals with the second-fastest time with the time of 54.41. Michele Lamberti secured the top spot with 54.17, while young talent Bacico, born in 2005, claimed third (54.74).

Next were the women's 50m backstroke heats, headlined by European record holder Kira Toussaint (28.32). However, she was edged out by her compatriot De Waard (28.26), who won bronze in this pool at the 2022 European Championships in Rome. Also close were Sweden's Hansson (28.34) and the British duo Dawson (28.37) and Cox (28.40).

In the men's 400m freestyle, Daniel Wiffen, the world champion in the longer distances, led the heats with the time of 3:48.42. He was closely followed by five other swimmers within half a second, including Brazilians Costa (3:48.46) and Oliveira de Moraes (3:48.83), and Italians Lamberti (3:48.78) and De Tullio (3:48.88).

Short-course world record holder Siobhan Haughey qualified third in the women's 200m freestyle (1:58.25), behind Mary-Sophie Harvey (1:57.54), a world relay medalist from Canada, and Britain's Colbert (1:58.12). Except for Harvey, who has a half-second lead, the other finalists are separated by less than a second.

The anticipated showdown in the men's 100m breaststroke did not disappoint, with Olympic champion Peaty (59.54), runner-up Kamminga (59.75), and Tokyo 2021 bronze medalist Martinenghi (59.73)all advancing, with the second, sixth, and fifth fastest times respectively. Italy's Ludovico Blu Art Viberti, aiming for an Olympic berth, posted the fastest qualifying time: 59.48.

In the women's 100m breaststroke, with Lithuanian champion Ruta Meilutytē absent, all eyes were on world champion Benny Pilato (1:06.32). Following her in the qualifications were Britain's Evans (1:06.92), Italy's Carraro (2019 world bronze medalist) with 1:07.02, and Dutch specialist Schouten.

The men's 100m butterfly final will feature 10 swimmers due to a three-way tie for the eighth spot. Leading after the heats is Dutch multi-medalist Korstanje (51.14), followed by Ireland's McCusker (52.38) and Italy's Valsecchi (52.39).

The women's 50m butterfly heats highlighted Sarah Sjostrom's dominance. The world record holder and reigning world champion topped the heats with the time of 25.22, followed by Japan's inspirational champion Ikee (25.54) and Italy's Scotto di Carlo (26.09).

The highly anticipated men's 50m freestyle final promises excitement, with all eight finalists within three-tenths of a second. Leading the pack is two-time world champion Benjamin Proud of England, the only swimmer to go sub-22 seconds with the time of 21.93. He is followed by Dutch swimmer Tjon A Joe (22.13) and Italy's Olympic relay silver medalist Zazzerri (22.15).

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