She is Italy's new swimming hope. © AFP / MARCO BERTORELLO

Mixed feelings for Italian swimming talent

While superstar Thomas Ceccon once again showed his class at the World Swimming Championships in Singapore on Friday, an 18-year-old Italian missed a surprise.

August 01, 2025

From: leo

Despite her young age, Sara Curtis has already left her mark on Italian swimming history. The teenager from Piedmont holds the Italian national record in both the 50m and 100m freestyle. She also demonstrated her talent in Singapore, becoming the first Azzurra to reach the 100m freestyle final at a World Championships. However, the daughter of an Italian father and a Nigerian mother was unable to achieve more.

After a committed start, Curtis finished second after 50 meters, but then the 18-year-old ran out of steam. With a time of 53,41 seconds (her national record is 53,01), she finished last in the rankings. "I was pretty nervous before the final. I tried to enjoy it as much as possible," she said after the final.

Sara Curtis in action. © ANSA / RUNGROJ YONGRIT

A new adventure now begins for the Italian, as she will continue her development in the USA at the University of Virginia starting in September. Dutchwoman Marrit Steenbergen successfully defended her title, followed by Mollie O'Callaghan (Australia) and Torri Huske (USA).

Ceccon strong

Shortly afterwards, Thomas Ceccon provided a brilliant moment, setting the new national record in the 100m butterfly. Thanks to a time of 50,42 seconds (Piero Codia's previous best was 50,64), the 24-year-old advanced to the final. However, the three-time medalist from Singapore will have to contend with strong competition in the final, as four athletes were faster than him in the semifinals, including the Swiss favorite Noe Ponti (50,18).

Italy's exceptional swimmer: Thomas Ceccon © APA/afp / FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT

Meanwhile, US ace Kate Douglass won the gold medal in the 200m breaststroke. China's Qin Haiyang won the 200m breaststroke on the outside lane, having already won the half distance using the same technique. Hubert Kos of Hungary secured the men's 200m backstroke final with a European record of 1:53,19 minutes. The men's 4x200m freestyle relay went to Great Britain.