Already the World Junior Record-holder in the men’s 50 breast, Italian teenager Nicolo Martinenghi became the first 18-and-under swimmer to crack the 27-second barrier during his first swim of his country’s national championships.
Martinenghi finished in 26.97 in his prelims swim, well under the 27.32 he had set as the WJR last year. The time also a new Italian national record, breaking the 27.06 previously held by Andrea Toniato. He also became the second man to break 27 this year, joining Adam Peaty (26.86).
The time also makes Martinenghi the 11th-fastest performer in history in the event.
In the final later that day, Martinenghi could not quite match his strong prelims time, finishing in 27.09 to win the national championship. Fabio Scozolli took second in 27.33, followed by Mattia Pesce (27.52) and Toniato (27.72).
Congratulations