Gretchen Walsh: “If I Could Choose Someone To Train With, I’d Probably Pick Sarah Sjostrom”

67TH SETTE COLLI TROPHY 

• Friday, June 26th – Sunday, June 28th
• Prelims at 9am local (3am ET)/A-Finals at 7pm local (1pm ET)
• Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
• SwimSwam Preview
• Meet central
• Entry List
• Prelims Recaps: Day 1 | Day 2
• Finals Recaps: Day 1 |Day 2
• Live Results
• Prelims Livestream
• Finals Livestream

The second day of racing at the 62nd Sette Colli Trophy in Rome delivered another series of standout performances, including a world record, multiple national records, and several European Championships qualifying swims.

After the finals, many of the meet’s biggest stars reflected on their races, their goals for the remainder of the season, and what lies ahead.

Marrit Steenbergen (Netherlands) — Gold, World Record, Women’s 100 Freestyle

“I’m really happy, although I still don’t think I fully realize what I’ve done. It feels a little unreal. I’ve always wanted to swim faster, and that continues to motivate me. Next week we have our national trials, so I hope to rest a little more and maybe go even faster.

A few weeks ago during the Mare Nostrum circuit I realized I was swimming really well, and that gave me confidence. My coaches have always believed I could achieve something like this. My current coach kept telling me I could do it, while I was the one saying, ‘No, you’re crazy.’ She has been a huge inspiration.”

Gretchen Walsh (United States) — Gold, Women’s 100 Butterfly (Meet Record)

“I’m happy with tonight. I basically achieved both of my goals: swimming 54 in the 100 butterfly and 52 in the 100 freestyle. Racing in a final where a world record was broken was really special, and I’m proud that I gave everything in both events.

My mom probably inspired me the most to get into swimming. She swam in college and played a huge role in both my career and my sister’s. If I could choose someone to train with, I’d probably pick Sarah Sjostrom.”

Sara Curtis (Italy) — Bronze, Women’s 100 Freestyle (Italian Record)

“I’m really happy. I finally achieved the goal I set for myself at the beginning of the year. There have been ups and downs, but today I’m satisfied with the time. I wanted to break the 53-second barrier as soon as possible, and I feel lucky that my Italian record came alongside a world record.

Freestyle has always been a love-and-hate relationship for me, but we knew this was possible. It’s going to be a big summer. I’ll only take Monday off before starting my preparation for the European Championships at home.”

Adam Peaty (Great Britain)

“I’m very tired, but we’re exactly where we need to be. As the years go by, the season becomes more demanding, but that’s part of the sport. Everything is focused on the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships. To be at my best there, I’ll need to recover physically and mentally, but first we still have another week of hard work ahead.”

Kliment Kolesnikov (Russia)

“The heat made the 100 freestyle much more difficult this morning, especially with the long wait before racing. The result wasn’t great, but I still enjoyed it. I have a great relationship with many swimmers, especially Kristof Milak, Thomas Ceccon and Noè Ponti. I know all the Italian swimmers, and every time I compete here I enjoy spending time with them.”

Federico Burdisso (Italy) — Gold, Men’s 200 Butterfly

“I’ve grown a lot, not so much in training but mentally. In swimming, having the right mindset is essential. Now I’m much more aware of myself, of my abilities, and of the work I’m doing. I’m really happy with the path I’m following together with my coach.”

Benedetta Pilato (Italy) — Double Gold, Women’s 50 & 100 Breaststroke

“I’m happy with the two wins, although not entirely with the times. The 50 breaststroke is an event I race more consistently, but technically I’m not where I want to be yet. This is a long-term project because I’m going through a period of major changes. First I need to adapt to my new life, then I’ll focus on getting back to swimming 29-low again. It will take time, but I hope to return to those performances.”

Nicolo Martinenghi (Italy) — Bronze, Men’s 100 Breaststroke

“The 100 breaststroke is a very demanding race, and I haven’t specifically prepared it in training yet. The stroke rates I used today are exactly what I’ve been working on since returning to breaststroke. I still have plenty of room to improve, but I raced feeling relaxed both mentally and physically. I’ll give everything I have to be ready for the European Championships.”

Alberto Razzetti (Italy) — Gold, Men’s 400 IM

“At the Italian Championships I didn’t have the same desire to race and decided to skip the 200 butterfly. Today I chose to swim it, and I’m happy with how it went. Racing in an international field and having Emanuele Potenza in the next lane was a great motivation. Whenever you have the chance to represent Italy at a major championship, your goal is always to perform at your best.”

David Popovici (Romania) — Gold, Men’s 100 Freestyle (Meet Record)

“I’m happy with the time, especially because we’re still training hard. Right now I just want to keep building toward the European Championships. Italy feels like my second home, and having set my world record here makes racing in Rome even more special. I love what I do.”

Daniel Wiffen (Ireland) — Bronze, Men’s 800 Freestyle

“I feel good and I’m happy with the time, although I think I could have been even faster. The temperature is high, but manageable. Outside the pool I like to relax by playing golf.”

Quotes courtesy of the Italian Swimming Federation.