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).
