An Appreciation of the Distance Greatness of Italian Gregorio Paltrinieri
Just a few days ago, while racing at the European Open Water Championships in Croatia, Italian Gregorio Paltrinieri claimed the latest title in his illustrious career. A gold medal in the 5K distance marked Paltrinieri’s third European crown in the event, but might be just the start of another big summer for the 30-year-old.
Paltrinieri will next gear up for the World Championships in Singapore, where he’s expected to compete in both open-water and pool competition. In 2019, 2022 and 2024, Paltrinieri left the World Champs with podium finishes in each discipline. More, his career features 16 medals from the World Championships – six gold, five silver and five bronze. Of those medals, nine have been earned in the pool, with seven claimed in open-water action.
A lock for future induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Paltrinieri is one of the greatest distance swimmers in history. Ahead of the World Champs in Asia, here is a glance at Paltrinieri’s excellence in the sport.
- Paltrinieri is a five-time Olympic medalist, including gold in the 1500 freestyle at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. He was the silver medalist in the 800 freestyle and bronze medalist in the 10K at the 2020 Tokyo Games, and last summer, Paltrinieri won silver in the 1500 free and bronze in the 800 free at the Paris Games.
- The Italian is a 16-time medalist at the World Championships, podium appearances that span five events. Paltrinieri has medaled at the World Champs in the 800 freestyle, 1500 free, 5K, 10K and team open water.
- Paltrinieri first earned a medal on the global stage at the 2015 edition of the World Championships, held in Kazan. Since that debut, he has medaled at every edition of a global meet (Olympics/World Champs).
- Paltrinieri secured his first medal at the European Championships in 2012, and has not been shut out at the continental level in any season since.
- He is the No. 4 performer of all-time in the 1500 freestyle (14:32.80; European record) and is the No. 12 performer in the history of the 800 freestyle (7:39.27).
- Paltrinieri has won 52 career medals between the Olympic Games and World Championships.
