Budapest (Hungary), June 25, 2022 – Masterpiece by Gregorio Paltrinieri that triumphs in the finale of the 1500 meters freestyle and signs the new European AI record World Cup from I swim of Budapest. Race dominated by ‘Super Greg’, in the lead from start to finish. The world record faded to the last, after Paltrinieri was under the primacy up to the last 100 meters.
The 27 year old from Carpi won with a time of 14’32 “80. Behind him the American Robert Finke (14’36” 70) and the German Florian Wellbrock (14’36 “94). Paltrinieri is the fourth world title in his career, the third in his favorite distance which in 2016 also gave him the Olympic title.
“I would rather die in the pool, I told myself before the race, but I want to give everything today – says Paltrineri after the feat -. I started my own way. I like competing like this. There has been a lot of stuff on fire these days. I wanted to show that I’m always here. I knew I was worth a race like this, I knew I was worth a time like that. I’m here, it’s never easy to get to a World Cup and do well. It’s a dream. I’m happy. “
Medals for Benedetta Pilato and Thomas Ceccon
In addition to that of ‘Super Greg’, two other medals for Italy on the last day of the World Cup. Benedetta Pilato and d ‘argento in the final of the 50 meters breaststroke: the woman from Taranto was beaten by the Lithuanian Ruta Meilutyte. The bronze was won by the South African Lara Van Niekerk. Thomas Ceccon instead he is bronze medal in the final of the 50 meters backstroke. Ceccon, world champion on 100 backstrokes, had closed the final in fourth place, but managed to get on the lowest step of the podium thanks to the disqualification of the winner, the American Ress. The gold medal went to the other American Armstrong, while the silver went to the neck of the Pole Masiuk.
“I felt the tension much more than 100 – he said Pilate showing a hint of regret -. I was betting a lot on this race. Last year’s world record put some pressure on me. Pity. In general, however, I am also very happy with this silver in an important final such as a world championship “.
“Today I was not as fluid as yesterday, the way I am. It is as if I didn’t have this medal around my neck – commented Ceccon instead -. There was tension, when you are in charge for the medal you tend to be nervous but if I had finished fourth it would have been for 2 cents and a little ‘I would have turned. For sure, the 50s are not Olympic distance, I like doing them and I’m happy to do them, but they are a World Cup race and stop “.