Unheralded as a Multi-Event Star: How Thomas Ceccon Ranks Among the Sport’s Most Versatile Swimmers
As the reigning Olympic champion and world-record holder, Thomas Ceccon is best known for his achievements in the 100-meter backstroke. The 24-year-old Italian, whose global mark stands at 51.60, also owns a world title in the event, earned at the 2022 edition of the World Championships. Ceccon and American Ryan Murphy are the only athletes to crack the 52-second barrier in the 100 backstroke on four occasions.
Meanwhile, Ceccon has established himself as one of the premier performers in the 50 butterfly, a discipline in which he secured a world championship in 2023. At last summer’s World Champs in Singapore, he added another piece of hardware in the sprint fly, claiming bronze. With the 50-meter stroke events added to the Olympic program for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, Ceccon figures to be a prominent contender in the podium pursuit.
But Ceccon’s skill set stretches well beyond the aforementioned events, and an argument can be made that he ranks among the most versatile swimmers on the planet. He just doesn’t get the proper credit, largely because Ceccon isn’t an individual medley specialist. So, let’s take.a moment to appreciate Ceccon’s multi-event skill.
Freestyle
While Ceccon has been as fast as 22.33 in the 50 freestyle, it’s his performances in the 100 and 200 distances that stand out. Ceccon owns a best of 47.71 in the 100 freestyle and has established himself as a valuable member of Italy’s 400 freestyle relay, which stood on the podium at the past two Olympic Games and the last three fully attended World Championships. Stretch to the 200 freestyle and Ceccon remains impressive, thanks to a top mark of 1:46.52.
Backstroke
Ceccon’s credentials in the 100 backstroke are undeniably what has made the European star a well-known name in the sport. But Ceccon has bookended that event with stellar efforts in the 50 backstroke and 200 backstroke. Ceccon boasts a best of 24.40 in the sprint backstroke, where he’s a European Champs medalist, and has been 1:55.71 in the 200 backstroke.
Breaststroke
The fact that Ceccon even has notable marks to reference in the breaststroke events speaks to his versatility. No, his times are not going to contend for international medals, but Ceccon has been 27.69 in the 50 breaststroke and 1:01.99 in the 100 breaststroke, both times produced during the 2024 Mare Nostrum Series.
Butterfly
A glance at the all-time rankings shows Ceccon as the No. 8 performer in history in the 50 butterfly, thanks to a best time of 22.67. He was the gold medalist in the event at the 2023 World Championships and most recently secured the bronze medal in the sprint fly at last summer’s World Champs in Singapore. As for the 100 butterfly, Ceccon’s best swim is 50.42, which slots him 14th historically and is an Italian record.
Individual Medley
It’s been a while, but at the 2019 Sette Colli meet, Ceccon cracked the two-minute barrier in the 200 individual medley, going 1:59.89. Diping under 2:00 in the 200 IM is a major accomplishment, evidence of an athlete’s skill across all four strokes, which Ceccon clearly possesses.
The Thomas Ceccon File (Best Times)
50 Freestyle – 22.33
100 Freestyle – 47.71
200 Freestyle – 1:46.52
50 Backstroke – 24.40
100 Backstroke – 51.60
200 Backstroke – 1:55.71
50 Breaststroke – 27.69
100 Breaststroke – 1:01.99
50 Butterfly – 22.67
100 Butterfly – 50.42
200 Butterfly – 2:02.24
200 Individual Medley – 1:59.89