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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