On the final day of the 61st Settecolli Trophy IP the finals of the women’s 50m freestyle, men’s and women’s 200m backstroke, men’s 50m butterfly, women’s 200m butterfly, men’s and women’s 200m breaststroke, men’s 200m freestyle, women’s 400m freestyle, men’s and women’s 200m individual medley, and men’s 1500m freestyle took place. The FINP finals for women’s 50m freestyle and men’s 50m backstroke were also contested.

Women’s 50m Freestyle
1. Sara Curtis: “I’m in a heavy training phase and I’m happy with how things are going. I’ll take things one at a time and try to approach the World Championships as calmly as possible. It’s my first World Champs in the long course and I can’t wait to see how it goes. After that, I’ll head to Virginia and I’m really excited about it.”
2. Silvia Di Pietro: “I’m very happy; it’s my best time this season. My goal was to go under 26 seconds in butterfly and under 25 in freestyle, and we hit those marks. I’m satisfied because I’ve tweaked some things. I don’t have specific targets, so this is great.”
3. Petra Senanszky: “I feel amazing! The Italian crowd was fantastic, as always, and gave me a big boost during the race. After the collegiate season, it wasn’t easy, especially for me, but I’m really happy to have swum faster than in the heats. I’m proud of the result and very happy to be on the podium.”

Men’s 200m Backstroke
1. Thomas Ceccon: “I’m really tired, to be honest. I tried to do the opposite of what I’m used to—go out hard and then try to hold on. I’d say it’s much harder. The time is good, I’m satisfied. I wanted to go out strong and I managed to do it. The crowd here is always great.”
2. Roman Mitykov: “Today wasn’t easy, I’m in a lot of pain, but I’m happy with the time.”
3. Christian Bacico: “I’m not in my best shape, so the time is good and it was a decent race. I’m happy with how it went.”

Women’s 200m Backstroke
1. Francesca Romana Furfaro: “Yes, I’m very happy! I’m also emotional. I’m really pleased with the time I swam; I was hoping for something a bit faster, but I knew my preparation wasn’t focused on Settecolli. In the end, I confirmed my time, which is still good, so I can only be satisfied. Thanks to everyone for the support.”
2. Holly McGill: “It’s really hot here in Rome compared to where I live in Scotland, and I felt that during the race. Despite that, I’m very happy with the medal.”
3. Kaitlin Burian: “The race went okay, not so bad, but I expected a bit more. I like swimming in Rome, even though it’s really hot and the sun bothers you a bit in backstroke.”

Men’s 50m Butterfly
1. Noe Ponti: “I’m never satisfied, but I’m pleased. I’ve done 22.7 twice and this year I’ve gone under 23 seven times, which is very good. I tried to increase my stroke rate this afternoon; I’m not sure if it was the best choice, but the time is still excellent for now. We’ll see in Singapore.”
2. Egor Kornev: “All good despite the difficulty; I’m satisfied. I don’t swim butterfly often, so I didn’t expect much, but I had fun as always.”
3. Abdelrahman Elaraby: “My race went very well, I really liked my time.”

Women’s 200m Butterfly
1. Helena Bach: “My race went well, I think this is my best time this season and I think it’s a very good time. I’m very happy. I love swimming here, it’s very nice and cool.”
2. Ellen Walshe: “I’m really tired, I’ve done a lot of races at this meet. Plus, it’s very hot today and I have the 200m IM as well. Still, I’m satisfied with the time considering the heavy training phase ahead of the World Championships.”
3. Paola Borrelli: “The race went well, although I expected it to go a bit better than this. I still swam a good time, which is also my best qualifying time: 10.2. I hoped to hit the World Championships qualifying time, but unfortunately it didn’t happen today. Now we’ll start a new program with the goal of the Universiade. We’ll leave in 2024 and try to make the time there.”

Men’s 200m Breaststroke
1. Yu Hanaguruma: “The time was incredible, I felt great at Settecolli—even though it’s really hot today. Every day I enjoy Rome, this competition is fantastic. Thanks to my team, my coach, and everyone in Japan.”
2. Christian Mantegazza: “It went very well: 1:12, I didn’t expect it since I tried to control as much as possible. I wasn’t at my best during the warm-up, but that’s typical for me. Still, when you get in the pool, you have to give your all. I’m really happy because I’m still in a preparation phase, since I’m qualified for the Universiade. We decided with my coach to use Settecolli as a stepping stone. But I knew I could do well because I’d already improved my time at the Nicoletti Trophy a few weeks ago. I’m training really well, so I’m confident.”
3. Nicolò Martinenghi: “I’m very tired, I didn’t prepare specifically for this race, but I tried my best and I’m very happy. This morning, after the disqualification, I was really angry because I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong. I tried to prove it and everything went well.”

Women’s 200m Breaststroke
1. Angharad Evans: “It’s the last day and it’s always hard to do the 200m breaststroke after the 50m and 100m, but overall I’m very satisfied. This is a great time ahead of the World Championships in Singapore. Rome has a fantastic atmosphere; I was here last year too and it’s one of my favorite places to swim. The atmosphere is very warm, just like the weather, since I’m used to England. I’m ready for the World Championships, but first we’ll have a training camp in Thailand.”
2. Mona McSharry: “I’m very happy! It was just a test race, and tonight was my event, so I’m happy with how it went. I’m satisfied. Now it’s just a lot of work ahead: training, focus, and the desire to improve. We’ll try to learn from this experience and do even better next time.”
3. Francesca Fangio: “The race went well, I’m happy. I’m still working hard for Singapore. Considering the heavy workload and my physical condition—my neck was locked and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to compete—I’m happy with the time. I did everything I could to get ready. I’m pleased.”

Men’s 200m Freestyle
1. Carlos D’Ambrosio: “It was nice, but today I was a bit tired after the last 50m. I was hoping to go a bit faster, but I’m happy with how I managed the race. I had fun and, above all, competing against these athletes really motivates me.”
2. James Guy: “I feel really tired, but it was a good time. I promised myself I’d swim this time and I did it. I really like Rome; I think it’s a very competitive city.”
3. Jack McMillan: “I feel good. It’s a good result for being in the middle of the season, before the World Championships in Singapore. It’s always so beautiful here; we come every year. I love the city, I love the people.”

Women’s 400m Freestyle
1. Isabel Gose: “The race was tough, the weather in Rome is beautiful, I wasn’t in my best condition, but I think the race was good.”
2. Maria Paula Heitmann: “I’m happy with the race because I swam one of my best times and I’m glad to have finished the competition like this. I love swimming in this pool, it’s very good and very nice.”
3. Noemi Lamberti: “I’m super satisfied because this medal rewards all the effort and sacrifices I’ve made, and my family has made too. I’m very happy and I dedicate this medal to my family.”

Men’s 200m Individual Medley
1. Massimiliano Matteazzi: “Today went very well. I’m a bit tired at the end. I should check the splits, but I think I swam it as we planned—a bit slow on butterfly, but very good on backstroke and breaststroke.”
2. Alberto Razzetti: “It was a good race, a good time. It was a lot of fun today; having a head-to-head battle until the end makes it more exciting and stimulating. I’m very happy.”
3. Gabor Zambori: “I think it went well with this time, especially in June; this isn’t my best time, my best is 57.8, but this 59 is still very good. I love this place—it’s my fourth time here and I love it.”

Women’s 200m Individual Medley
1. Abbie Wood: “I’m very satisfied with the result after this long weekend of racing. I’m working on all the technical aspects of the race and I feel very confident in myself and in what I’m doing. I love coming here to compete because the atmosphere is amazing.”
2. Kate Shanahan: “The race was a bit difficult, I hit my arm on the lane rope, but it’s okay. I’m still happy. Rome is my favorite place to swim.”
3. Ellen Walshe: “I’m happy with the race and the time, especially since I swam twice this afternoon. I love swimming in Rome, it’s one of my favorite pools, it’s very ‘pretty’ and the Italians are very warm.”

Men’s 1500m Freestyle
1. Florian Wellbrock: “I’m really happy. Racing against Gregorio Paltrinieri is always special, especially with this crowd and in the beautiful pool at Foro Italico; it was tough but it was great.”
2. Gregorio Paltrinieri: “The race went well. It was my first after the Olympics, so after a year I almost didn’t remember what to do in certain pre-race moments because it had been so long. Still, it was good. I had good feelings in the pool and tried to stay close to Florian, but I lost him in the end. I love the Settecolli and this is where I wanted to start again.”
3. Ivan Giovannoni: “I’m satisfied with the medal, but a bit disappointed with the time. I wanted to go under 15 minutes, I was close, but not 100% satisfied. But it’s always great to compete at Settecolli; I’ve been racing here since I was a kid. It’s always great to see the stadium full and the crowd cheering.”

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Photo Andrea Staccioli / DBM
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