Two-time Olympic medallist Federica Pellegrini was back in the water today in Verona as lockdown restrictions were slightly eased in Italy.
Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced on 27 April that individual training could resume on 4 May with professional sports teams restarting on 18 May following the coronavirus pandemic.
‘La Divina’ – whose eyes have now turned to a fifth Olympics in Tokyo next year – returned to the pool in Verona named after her former coach Alberto Castagnetti who died in 2009.
Pellegrini – who has been on the 200 free medal podium at the last seven World Championships – wrote on social media:
“After six weeks….likeababy” as she stood on the blocks, joking with coach Matteo Giunta who asks her if she is ready to go. “Like swimming school?” she responds before diving into the water.
According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Pellegrini then said:
“I have to say that there is only a little to catch up on and a bit of sensitivity. I am happy because in these weeks I have worked a lot with weights and I managed to keep the strength in my shoulders
“This will help me to resume my “stroke” before … But come on, I thought (it would be) worse!”