Sabbioni Sets Italian 100 Backstroke Record on Day 1 of Nationals

Simone Sabbioni has quickly transitioned from “rising star” to just plain “star” of Italian swimming in a short amount of time. On the first day of the Italian National Championship (Long Course) in Riccione, Sabbioni took his own Italian record in the 100 backstroke from 53.46 to 53.37, in the process putting himself into the world top 5:

Sabbioni is coming of age, now 19-years old, as the holder of the 100 backstroke National Record through every age group of Italian swimming. Despite a long and proud swimming tradition, Italy has never won a long course World Championship or Olympic medal of any color in the 100 backstroke.

There were several other impressive swims on the first night of finals. Luca Dotto posted a strong winning time in the 100 freestyle (48.34). Dotto was 48.75 leading off Italy’s bronze medal winning record at this past summer’s World Championship in Kazan.

Dotto’s relay teammate Fillipo Magnini, is turning into the Jason Lezak of Italy, still hanging in there at 34 years old and putting up good times in the 100 freestyle. He finished second in 48.85

Carlos Peralta continued his campaign across Europe, reaffirming his status as the first Spaniard under 1:57 in the 200 fly. He won tonight in 1:56.80.

Flavio Bizzari was also singled out in the 200 breaststroke. Although his 2:10.64 in the 200 breaststroke didn’t break any records, the swim was the fastest Italian 200 breaststroke swum in the post “suits” era.

Other winners on the first night:

• Margherita Panziera in the 200 backstroke (2:09.73)
• Silvia Di Pietro in the 50 freestyle (25.24)
• Martina Rita Caramignoli in the 800 freestyle (8:31.94)
• Gabrielle Detti in the 800 freestyle (7:49.91)
• Luisa Trombetti in the 200 IM (2:14.35)

The meet will resume tomorrow with ten more races to be contest. For full meet results and timeline as well as the program, click here.