World Swimming Championships, Thomas Ceccon wins gold and puts a spot

Thomas Ceccon gold in the 50 butterfly, Nicolò Martinenghi silver in the 100 breaststroke

Important medals arrived for Italian swimming on Monday from the pool in Fukuoka, where the World Championships are being held: Thomas Ceccon in fact won a splendid gold in the 50 butterfly, setting, among other things, with a time of 22″68, the new Italian record; Nicolò Martinenghi instead won the silver medal in the 100 breaststroke, ex aequo with Arno Kamminga and Nic Fink (58″72 their time), in the race won by China’s Qin.

“I am delighted,” the newly crowned rainbow champion told the microphones of ‘Rai Sport,’ “Perhaps I wanted to win more here than in the 100 backstroke race. I want to thank the physiotherapists who helped me cope with the double race (just before the 50 butterfly final, Ceccon had competed in the 100 backstroke semifinal, qualifying for the final, ed.), it was great, I am also less tired.”

However, Ceccon decided to put a stop to the distance: “I’m world champion and I’m very happy, but I won’t do the 50 again: I don’t hate them, but with the staff we don’t see them very well. I had to win them here, but that’s enough now.”

Enthusiastic also Martinenghi, who in turn responded to questions from state TV: “I knew it would be a race on the edge,” said the Varese native. “I didn’t do a great time, but I bring home this silver as if it were gold.

“I tried to sell my skin dearly, I’m so tired from the race, I can’t wait to lie down a bit,” added Martinenghi. “Qin? He was very strong, he will be an opponent to beat in the future as well.”