Federica Pellegrini Selected To Carry Italian Flag For Rio Opening Ceremonies

Photo Courtesy: Italian Olympic Committee

Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

Federica Pellegrini, one of Italy’s most decorated swimmers of all-time, has been selected to carry the Italian flag for the opening ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. With this honor Pellegrini will become Italy’s fifth female flag-bearer at the Olympic Games.

Four years ago Pellegrini was mentioned as a possible candidate to carry the flag in London, but turned the opportunity down so she could save her energy for the 400-meter freestyle, which was the next day. This summer she will have the opportunity to experience the opening ceremony from inside the stadium and on her 28th birthday no less!

Pellegrini expressed at the press conference that,

I’m a patriotic person and I live for the national team and competing with the tricolor on my chest. But in that case (four years ago) it was just logical. The day after I had the 400 Free, one of my most important races.

The Italian superstar has been on the international swimming scene since she first reached the medal stand in the 200 free at the 2005 Worlds in Montreal. This summer she will look to defend her 200 free World Record of 1:52.98 which she set in 2009 at the World Championships in Italy.

More about the press conference can be found at The Olympian.

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