Gregorio Paltrinieri explains how he conquered fear and makes an announcement

Gregorio Paltrinieri explains how he conquered fear and makes an announcement

Gregorio Paltrinieri has written another historic page in Italian swimming, winning the bronze medal in the 800m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympics. After silver in Tokyo 2020 and gold in the 1,500m at Rio 2016, to bronze in the 10km open water at the last Japanese Olympics, the champion from Carpi è made an extraordinary comeback in front of the audience at La Défense Arena. During a speech to the microphones of "Discovery +", the Italian flag bearer, among other topics, wanted to bluntly analyze his performance and also made an announcement regarding his future.

"I knew I was doing well these days, but you are put in front of so many obstacles, also due to age. So many times I thought I was no longer able to compete at a high level, forò I think it is part of my job and what we do, not only as sportsmen but also in general, to have doubts and fears. I try to counter them with hard work and willpowerà and I am very happy" began the blue swimmer.

"Mainly I enjoy myself and è the only real reason I am here. Winning is good for you and it helps, but I still have a lot of fun; I am not just talking about competitions but also about training, the effort I put in on a daily basis, which are all emotions that I am sure I will miss when I stop, forè the time has not yet come to retire" added the fresh winner of bronze in the 800m freestyle at the Paris Olympics.

"Before the final two athletes told me that I was their idol and I was in the final with them. I was glad, forò it seemed bad to get my hand put in front, so I tried to give my best anyway. I have met three generations of swimmers, I have always tried to reinvent myself and find the key to stay competitive" commented Gregorio Paltrinieri.