Gregorio Paltrinieri and Ginevra Taddeucci delivered triumphant silver medals for Italy amid chaotic conditions at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Competing in Sentosa’s disputed waters—where the 10km race faced last-minute postponements and water-quality concerns—both athletes overcame organizational turmoil to podium finishes.
Paltrinieri, 31, secured his eighth career world medal in 1:59:59.2, trailing only Germany’s Florian Wellbrock (1:59:55.5). The Olympic champion described “extreme conditions,” with water temperatures nearing 31°C (87.8°F) and localized patches feeling like 35°C (95°F). “It was brutal—I battled thirst and a hand injury after colliding with a rival early on,” he revealed, criticizing World Aquatics for “disrespectful management” after midnight postponement notices left athletes “shaken.”
Taddeucci, 28, mirrored his feat in the women’s race (2:07:55.7), claiming Italy’s first female individual medal since 2019. “This is my career’s crowning achievement, despite the terrible heat,” she stated, echoing frustrations over the delayed cancellation announcement.
Both athletes condemned the event’s handling, with Paltrinieri emphasizing: “Swimming a 10km in such extremes required all my experience. We deserve better organization.” Andrea Filadelli placed seventh in the men’s event.