The 61st Settecolli IP International Swimming Trophy is underway. On the first day, finals were contested in the following events: men’s 100m backstroke, women’s 50m backstroke, men’s 400m freestyle, women’s 200m freestyle, men’s and women’s 100m breaststroke, men’s 100m butterfly, women’s 50m butterfly, men’s 50m freestyle, and women’s 1500m freestyle. FINP finals were also held for the women’s 50m backstroke and men’s 50m freestyle.

100m Backstroke Men
1 - Miron Lifintsev: “The race went really well. Thomas is truly a great athlete and I’m lucky to compete with him. I really like Rome.”
2 - Thomas Ceccon: “This result doesn’t reflect me, whether it’s second or fourth place. I felt heavy and I’m not satisfied with my performance.”
3 - Apostolos Christou: “The race went very well. I felt a bit of a wake, but the water was good. I always enjoy swimming in Rome.”

50m Backstroke Women
1 - Federica Toma: “I can’t say I didn’t expect it, but I felt really good in the water this morning and knew I could do even better or finish first. Anyway, it’s a great satisfaction.”
2 - Lauren Cox: “I’m very happy with this race, even though my main event is the 100m. I missed competing in this wonderful pool.”
3 - Francesca Pasquino: “Stepping onto the podium means a lot to me—it’s the first time. It’s definitely a very strong emotion and I’m very satisfied. There are so many Italian fans at Settecolli, they’re very supportive and it’s always fantastic to compete in Rome.”

400m Freestyle Men
1 - Marco De Tullio: “Finally, after a long time and many difficulties, I can say I’m satisfied. This year didn’t start well either, with a shoulder issue to resolve, but I’m happy to be back around my best level. Achieving it here is wonderful. Competing in Rome, in this pool and in front of a home crowd, is completely different and always gives me great pleasure.”
2 - Florian Wellbrock: “I’m very happy. It’s always great to compete in the most beautiful pool in the world. I’m quite satisfied with the time and the race itself. Racing against De Tullio, who went out fast from the first meter, really helped me.”
3 - Davide Machello: “The race went very well, it was tough; swimming in Rome is always fantastic. I felt good in the water, especially in the last 50 meters when I was able to accelerate.”

200m Freestyle Women
1 - Freya Colbert: “To be honest, I hoped to be a bit faster. I was a few weeks ago, but then my coach moved and since then I’ve worked a lot on my skills. So I was hoping for a slightly quicker time. Still, I’m happy to have won. The level at Settecolli is always very high, so I’m really pleased to have won a medal.”
2 - Abbie Wood: “It was a very good performance, in line with my training and general condition.”
3 - Bianca Nannucci: “I’m very satisfied with the race and the time I swam this afternoon—I really didn’t expect it. I know I still have a lot to work on. I have another year, then from September 2026 I’ll move to Virginia and I can’t wait to start this new adventure.”

100m Breaststroke Men
1 - Ludovico Blu Art Viberti: “The race went very well. I wasn’t focused on the time, but it was important to win and secure my spot for the World Championships in Singapore. I hoped for a 58.9 and just missed it, but I’m still very happy. I always love Rome, the atmosphere is great and the crowd is fantastic.”
2 - Ivan Kozhakin: “The race went very well; I’m training for the World Championships, so I’m a bit heavy. Racing with Nicolò is always great.”
3 - Nicolò Martinenghi: “Today I had fun and showed that where there’s a will, there’s a way. I gave exactly what I wanted; I mainly wanted to enjoy myself.”

100m Breaststroke Women
1- Angharad Evans: “I’m very happy to have won this race. It was a good test ahead of the World Championships next month. The atmosphere in Rome is really warm, it’s wonderful to compete in this stadium.”
2 - Mona Mc Sharry: “Happy with the race as preparation for the World Championships. I’m very pleased with the time and how I feel at this stage of the season.”
3 - Henrietta Fangli: “This is my third year swimming in Rome; the first time I didn’t even make the final. It’s really important for me, I’m very happy.”

100m Butterfly Men
1 - Noé Ponti: “The race went very well, especially the first 50; in the last meters I lost a bit of fluidity. Swimming in this city and in this pool is like being at home. I love this crowd; I feel ready for the World Championships.”
2 - Federico Burdisso: “Winning is hard, staying on top is even harder, but coming back after a break is the toughest challenge. I hope to be selected for the relay in Singapore. I was born in 2001 and, despite the experience I’ve gained, I still consider myself young.”
3 - Andrei Minakov: “I had fun, even though at this stage of the season I’m pretty loaded. I really like Rome, it’s one of my favorite cities in the world and it’s always fantastic to swim here.”

50m Butterfly Women
1 - Angelina Köhler: “I’m very happy with the win, especially because I beat my national record. I’m very happy to compete in Rome, it’s also a great test ahead of the World Championships in Singapore. I’ll also swim the 100m butterfly and I hope it goes as well as the 50.”
2 - Anna Ntountounaki: “It was very nice and it’s always a great honor to swim in a beautiful competition with excellent athletes. It was a good test before the World Championships and a great time, so I’m very happy. It’s a pleasure to be here, Rome is as wonderful as the food and the people.”
3 - Silvia Di Pietro: “I’m very satisfied. I was up against two swimmers who had already swum 25.5, so I knew I was competing with very strong athletes. I’m quite happy with my time, because I improved from this morning. The fans really pushed us, reminding me of the atmosphere of the European Championships—it was fantastic.”

50m Freestyle Men
1 - Igor Kornev: “I’ve done a lot of hard training that has left me quite tired, but despite being in a heavy phase of preparation, I got a good result. I’m happy. Rome is a fantastic city and reminds me a lot of Saint Petersburg.”
2 - Andrej Barna: “I’m very happy to compete in this beautiful pool. The atmosphere is exhilarating and gives you a boost to go faster than you think.”
3 - Leonardo Deplano: “The race went well, the result is good considering my current condition; 21.89 is an important time, especially since I haven’t started tapering yet. I felt a bit sluggish, but I’m very happy with the time improvement from the heats. It’s always fantastic to compete in Rome, a pool I’ve been coming to for 11 years. I’ve traveled a lot, but this remains my favorite pool.”

1500m Freestyle Women
1 - Simona Quadarella: “I’m happy and I didn’t expect to swim this time, even in view of the World Championships. It was a good race, especially with the head-to-head with Isabel Gose. Now I feel very ready for the World Championships.”
2 - Isabel Gose: “I’m a bit tired because we’re in a heavy training phase ahead of the World Championships. We arrived yesterday from a training camp, so for now the time is okay.”

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