It is a 2021 of rebirth and Federica Pellegrini proves it with a precious silver medal. The world of sport is ready to return to pre-pandemic levels, in every area. Getting closer and closer Tokyo Olympics and in the meantime the famous Italian swimmer gives herself a new medal. Another podium, the umpteenth of his career, obtained a 33 years to European swimming championships.
The 55th time which falls within the first three places of an international competition. A phenomenon of nature that at 33 is still ready to fight. Think about a possible goodbye, which may or may not come after Tokyo: “I made the most important decisions in the water. I will choose whether or not to retire after playing the Olympics. Each athlete continues with their career only if they are aware that they can still give something. I still like to sweat and work hard but when the day comes, I won't be afraid ”.
Silver for Federica Pellegrini
A silver medal for "his" 200 freestyle. He shouldn't have taken part in this umpteenth challenge, still struggling with the right preparation to reach the known standards in this specialty.
Instead, she immersed herself and came out with a medal. A second place that is also precious from a mental point of view. Shiny eyes during the award ceremony. Federica still lives with emotions, whose debut at the European swimming championships took place in 2004 in Madrid. 17 years have passed but Italy and the world can still enjoy this timeless champion.
A real test of strength, hers, which however does not exempt her from the most ironclad judgment, her own. She knows exactly where she went wrong and immediately realizes it once she gets out of the tank and is placed in front of the replay. In front of her is there 20 year old Seemenova, which, however, the 33-year-old Italian had managed to resume. An automatism prevented her from making the comeback. Just two cents that make all the difference in the world. Before touching the plate, at 180 meters, turn your head to check the stopwatch. This is enough to determine: 1'56 ″ 27 Seemenova, 1'56 ″ 29 Pellegrini.
Tokyo Olympics
A show of strength, especially to herself. Budapest silver is a talentedly conquered treasure. The champion is ready to treat herself to a daydream in Tokyo. He intends to fight to the end, and then decide on his future without remorse. An amazing career with these last European swimming championships sending out a clear signal. Federica Pellegrini is here, she is 100% and does not intend to allow her age to be a limit. Legends like her do not allow themselves to be limited by such factors.
The number 55 medal around his neck speaks volumes about his chances of competing in the Olympics, the fifth in a row. The future can wait a little longer. The water will suggest whether to get out of that pool for real or not. No one can make this decision for him. However, the desire to look beyond, to experience something else is alive in her: “In my future I see a book, a documentary film on Tokyo 2021 and then motherhood”.
