Italian and Virginia Star Sara Curtis Continues to Shine on Road to European Champs
When Sara Curtis arrived at the University of Virginia, the Italian was already an established force on the international scene. Not only was Curtis a semifinalist in the 50-meter freestyle at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, she was a finalist in the 100 freestyle at last summer’s World Championships in Singapore. But the best days appear ahead for the 19-year-old sprint star.
Last month, Curtis helped UVA capture its sixth consecutive team title at the NCAA Championships. While Curtis finished second in the 50-yard freestyle and third in the 100 freestyle, she was at her finest in relay action, where she propelled the Cavaliers to four victories. That short-course success quickly shifted to long-course excellence when Curtis returned home for the Italian Championships.
During a week of competition in Riccione, Curtis claimed four national crowns and established a pair of Italian records. One of Curtis’ national records arrived in the 50 backstroke, where she was timed in 27.33. The other Italian standard was delivered in the 50 freestyle, as Curtis clocked a performance of 24.29 during the event’s preliminaries. In the final, she was just off the mark with a showing of 24.31. For good measure, Curtis added wins in the 100 freestyle (53.40) and the 50 butterfly (25.89). Curtis owns the Italian record in the 100 free at 53.01.
This summer, Curtis will make a return trip to Paris, the site of the European Championships. In the French capital, Curtis will be expected to contend for medals in each of her four individual events. If the early returns from her training at Virginia are any indication, she could be one of the headliners of the Euro Champs.