NARBONNE, France, September 16. IT’S been a tough 24 hours for some of the best swimming coaches in the world, with James Magnussen and Yannick Agnel leaving Brant Best and Bob Bowman, respectively, in Australia and the United States. Another world champion has announced a major move, with Federica Pellegrini parting ways with Phillipe Lucas and returning to Italy.
Pellegrini had been based in Narbonne with Lucas since January 2011, and the partnership garnered two world championship titles that year in the 200 and 400 freestyles. Pellegrini changed coaches in 2012 and was unable to win Olympic medals in 2012, though she did make the 200 free final in London. Pellegrini was back under Lucas’ watch in 2013, nearly defending her 200 free title but settling for silver behind Missy Franklin. She became the first female to win three straight 200 freestyle European titles this year.
According to an article on the French news website RTL, Pellegrini was set to train with Lucas through 2016, but wanted to return home. The two are leaving on good terms as the Olympic champion returns home to work under the guidance of Matteo Giunta, according to Eurosport Italy.
Pellegrini’s statement, translated from Italian:
“I met Philippe in Narbonne, accompanied by Matteo Giunta, and we looked at every technical aspect. I am sad to have arrived at this conclusion, because I love Philippe as a person and as a coach, but the best thing is that we both are sure that our friendship will not end with this change of course, aimed at preparing focused purely on the 200 freestyle. “