BUDAPEST. A medal never seen before for Italnuoto at the European Championships in Budapest. The 4×200 freestyle mixed takes on a silver that is as bright as it is heavy.
Bolzano-born Stefano Ballo (1’46”96), Stefano Di Cola (1’46”16), Federica Pellegrini (1’55”66) and Margherita Panziera (2’00”57) finish in 7 ‘ 29 ” 35 (Italian record), which lowers the 7’32 ” 37 signed by Alessio Proietti Colonna, Filippo Megli and by Pellegrini and Margherita themselves for fifth place in Glasgow by almost three seconds. Faster than the Azzurri only the British Thomas Dean, James Guy, Abbie Wood and Freya Anderson in 7’26”67; the bronze goes to the Russians Aleksandr Shchegolev, Alexander Krasnykh, Anna Egorova and Anastasia Kirpichnikova in 7’31”54.
Also today (May 18) Simona Quadarella has confirmed herself the absolute master of the 800 freestyle of the old continent. The middle distance queen – registered for CC Aniene and coached by Christian Minotti – drops an encore after the Glasgow 2018 title, in 8’20”23; behind the Italian record holder and vice world champion finish the Russians Anastasia Kirpichnikova of silver in 8’21 ” 86 and Anna Egorova of bronze in 8’20 ” 23.