Florian Wellbrock (left) was faster than Gregorio Paltrinieri (right) and David Bethlehem (center). © APA/afp / JULIEN DE ROSA

Only Germany is faster: Italy wins mixed silver

Italy finished the European Open Water Swimming Championships with a silver medal in the mixed relay (4x1500 meters). A thrilling three-way battle unfolded on the Seine in the final race of the program, which Germany won by a razor-thin margin.

August 08, 2026

From: never

Julia Ackermann, Isabel Gose, Oliver Klemet, and Florian Wellbrock touched the wall after 1:03:39,2 hours. The Italian quartet of Barbara Pozzobon, Ginevra Taddeucci, Marcello Guidi, and Gregorio Paltrinieri finished just 2,1 seconds later. Hungary secured bronze, a further 1,1 seconds behind.

Pozzobon laid a strong foundation for Italy, handing off to Taddeucci in third place. The European champion then launched an impressive comeback. She stayed close to Germany's Isabel Gose, increased her pace once again in the final meters, and even put Italy in the lead after 3000 meters.

Paltrinieri creates excitement once again

On the third leg, however, Marcello Guidi had to let the leaders go again. Germany's Oliver Klemet pulled away and gave his team a lead of more than ten seconds before the final exchange. Gold seemed within reach for the Germans.

Florian Wellbrock (left) secured gold for Germany. © APA/afp / JULIEN DE ROSA

But Gregorio Paltrinieri provided some late drama. The 1500-meter Olympic champion, along with Hungary's David Bethlehem, closed the gap on Florian Wellbrock in the final stretch. Just before the finish line, Paltrinieri launched another attack, bringing Italy back into second place. However, it wasn't enough for the win: Wellbrock defended his lead to the finish, securing gold for Germany. Italy, after a strong final sprint from Paltrinieri, had to settle for silver.