Who is Benedetta Pilato, the blue swimming predestined

A class of 2005, from Taranto, Benedetta Pilato is now one of the brightest stars of Italian swimming. A breaststroke specialist, in just a few years she has burned through the ranks, going from a youth promise to an absolute protagonist of international competitions.

Her name began to circulate in 2019, when, at just 14 years old, she won the silver medal in the 50 breaststroke at the European Championships in Budapest in the short pool: a result that surprised the swimming world and marked the beginning of a meteoric career. Since then, “Benny’s” growth has been steady and impressive.

Her style is characterized by power and fluidity, qualities that have enabled her to set world and European youth records. Her most memorable moment came in 2021, again in Budapest, when, at the age of just 16, she set a world record in the 50 breaststroke in the long pool with a time of 29”30. A feat that propelled her into history and consecrated her as the youngest Italian swimmer capable of achieving such a milestone.

Despite her young age, Pilato has already demonstrated great sporting maturity. He has faced both triumphs and disappointments, such as the not-so-easy experience at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, turning each step into an opportunity for growth. Her strength lies precisely in balance: humility and determination accompany natural talent. At the Paris Olympics she was the victim of a resounding controversy at the microphones of Rai.