Now This Title Has Become a Reason to Continue in Italy

Nicolò Martinenghi, the Olympic and European champion in the 100m breaststroke, says his latest title is a "beautiful condemnation" that represents all his inner strength. The Italian swimmer spoke after winning gold at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris, a victory that came with a special personal touch: a necklace with the Olympic rings made by his father Samuele, a goldsmith, after the Tokyo 2021 Games. "I don't wear it often, but today is a special day, Martinenghi said, referring to the necklace.

He described himself as "the survivor of himself" after claiming Olympic gold in the 100m breaststroke at Paris 2024. Before the final, Martinenghi had sworn he would quit swimming even if he won. Now this title has become a reason to continue. "It's a beautiful condemnation.

But I don't look too far ahead, he said. Asked about future Olympic ambitions, he replied: It's a goal but I don't think about it, I don't want to get into the Olympic mindset. Not because I don't believe in it but because until a few months ago my ambitions were to recover from injury.