July 25 – For the first time, Federico Turrini, swimmer for the Arena Team, will compete at the World Championships in the 200m backstroke and 400m individual medley with the 4th best world time of the season. The Barcelona pass will be also worth the participation in the 200m individual medley competition. “Given the initial conditions, in the 400m medley I expect better results: the objective is to reach the final so as to play it until the end – says Turrini – but competition is harsh. The favorites are definitely the Japanese Kosuke Hagino and Daiya Seto, the Australian Fraser Holmes, the Brazilian Thiago Pereira and a battery of Americans and Hungarians. Among them, I will try to carve out a space too.” Turrini holds different expectations for the other two races – the 200m medley and the 200m backstroke: “I will try to pass the elimination round in the morning and go to the semifinals. In the 200m medley, I also point to lower my personal record because I think I can still give something in this race. Instead, in the 200m backstroke, it will be the first time I swim in such an important event and with so many opponents.” Turrini arrives in Barcelona after an overwhelming start of season, conquering the world pass from the first competitions of the season: he won three Italian titles (200m and 400m Medley, 200m Backstroke) and sets a new record in the 200m medley (1:54:53). Then in June, Turrini launches another positive signal snatching the silver in the 400m medley at the 7 Colli Trophy, ahead of Laszlo Cseh, and closes the pre-World preparation with four medals at the Mediterranean Games (gold in the 200m medley and the 4x200m freestyle, silver in the 200m backstroke and the 400m individual medley). “In recent months, we have tried to calmly work on the right strategies to repeat a sound state of form – says the swimmer – surely a fraction more at breaststroke, which I do not always get, would give me the security that few would be able to surpass me. While I think I’ve improved so much in freestyle, this could make all the difference.”
