In view of the summer Olympic Games, the technical director has called up 18 artistic swimming athletes, of which nine will continue their training in Rome for the Paris Olympics (5-10 August). The other nine, however, will gather in Savona for the Belgrade European Championships (10-14 June).
Minisini Not Called Up for Paris 2024, Will Participate in the Belgrade Europeans
Giorgio Minisini will not take part in the Olympic Games. On the occasion of the two groups' call-ups, the technical director Patrizia Giallombardo announced that he will be part of the group preparing for the Europeans. «The second part of the season gets underway - she explained - We have selected two groups of athletes who will embark on different paths: one aimed at the Paris Olympics and another looking towards the next Olympic four-year period, also passing through the Belgrade European Championships. This second work group will also include the champion Giorgio Minisini, an example of inclusivity and determination, who with his performances has promoted the entry of men into an environment that was exclusively female».
«Unfortunately, the IOC has not included the mixed duet in the Olympic program and the regulations allow to call up only 8 athletes plus one reserve to swim the technical, free, and acrobatic team routines. This entails difficult choices. It will be necessary to have athletes at the top of their condition, who perform the three routines with even higher coefficients than in the recent past, avoiding penalties (basemark) that are crucial for scoring and ranking. Minisini is an excellent specialist in solo and mixed duet. His season will continue with the Belgrade European Championships and the goal of extending the streak of successes that has made him an example for the international movement».
Words from Minisini
«I've had simpler days. It was a technical choice by the coaches that I as an athlete can only accept. Patrizia Giallombardo talked to me, she was clear and straightforward. From that point of view, I can only say that it was a decision that belonged to them. I stand out for different characteristics and this certainly influenced the choice. We knew that the mixed duet would not be in the Olympic program. For the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, it might be easier. In any case, I will swim and always give my best. I don't know what the other nations will aim for».
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