Benedetta Pilato continued the sizzling form that indicates a fine 2021 with a new world junior 50m breaststroke record of 29.61 to go fourth all-time at the Italian Open Championships in Riccione.
Nicolo Martinenghi was also in world-class waters, going sixth all-time in 26.56 in the men’s event as he eclipsed Fabio Scozzoli‘s national record of 26.70.
Benedetta Pilato: Photo Courtesy: MIKE LEWIS / ISL
It was Pilato’s second national record in as many days as she followed up her 1:06.02 in the 100br on Thursday when she qualified for Tokyo 2020.
The 15-year-old’s previous PB – and then world junior record – had been 29.85 from the Sette Colli meet in Rome in August but she obliterated that by 0.24secs.
Now she sits behind only Lilly King – who set the world record of 29.40 at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest – Ruta Meilutyte and Yulia Efimova.
European champion Alessandro Miressi led the way in the 100 free in 48.22 although he missed the Olympic qualifying mark of 47.90.
Federica Pellegrini, who has been pre-selected for Tokyo, won the women’s event in 54.56.
Nicolo Martinenghi; Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Gregorio Paltrinieri was quickest in the 800fr in 7:46.49, outside the cut of 7:43.80, with Martina Caramignoli posting 8:27.68 in the women’s race as she followed up her opening-night victory over 1500.
Michele Lamberti took the touch in the men’s 50 back in 24.90, Ilaria Bianchi headed the 100 fly in 58.26, Alberto Razzetti won the men’s 200 fly in 1:56.51 and Silvia Scalia took the 100 back in 1:00.89.
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