ROME -- Gregorio Paltrinieri dominated the 1,500 metres European swimming championships in London to win his third continental title and break his own European record.  Second place went to Gabriele Detti, who also picked up gold in the 400-metre freestyle, leaving the Italians out in front at this championship event.

 The swimmer from Carpi ended the race in an incredible 14’34“04 after gaining the advantage and increasing it further at around 800 metres, with his training partner coming in behind at 14’48“75, just ahead of Ukranian Mykhailo Romanchuk at 14’50”43.  The world record is currently held by Chinese Sun Yang who finished the race at the 2012 Olympic Games in just 14’31”02.

 At the age of just 21, and with a crazy training schedule, the focus is now on Rio, where Paltrinieri hopes to beat his time again, “It was an incredible race,” he said in an interview with Raisport, “I wanted to dominate, as happened, but I didn’t think I’d be able to get such a good time.  It really gives me hope for the Olympics, where I hope to emerge on top.”

 Having now won the European championships three years in a row, Paltrinieri is in the league of Swede Arne Borg and Russian Vladimir Salnikov, who are the only two to have done the same.  Along with female Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini he will definitely be one to watch at the upcoming games.

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