Federica Pellegrini, famed Olympic swimmer and lately a contestant on the Italian dance show Ballando con le stelle, shared her reflections on her time on the program during her recent appearance on the talk show Domenica IN. Following her impressive performance, where she secured second place in the semifinals, Pellegrini revealed the challenges she faced alongside partner Angelo Madonia, who departed the competition after tensions flared between him and the judge Selvaggia Lucarelli.
On December 15, Pellegrini candidly discussed her struggles with dance, stating, “It’s been two tough weeks. It’s wonderful to see how hard work pays off,” highlighting how Ballando con le stelle posed not only a physical challenge but also personal growth. She acknowledged the unique opportunity to engage with her own vulnerabilities through dance.
Reflecting on her earlier weeks with Madonia, Federica recounted, “There was some discomfort with Madonia—a discussion from which I was excluded. I felt nobody else on the stage understood how I felt. When he said, ‘This isn’t my competition,' I pondered my place there.” Her disappointment showed the emotional stakes involved for the athlete, who values competition and camaraderie.
After Madonia's exit, Pellegrini partnered with Samuel Peron, but due to Peron’s injury, she had to team up with Pasquale La Rocca for the upcoming final. Though she loves dancing, she admitted the initial process was particularly arduous and “a bit lonely.”
During her appearance, Pellegrini also offered insights about her life after retiring from the pool, particularly detailing the joy brought by her husband Matthew Giunta and their daughter, Matilde, born earlier this year. “Leaving swimming was tough. Restructuring my schedule and adapting took time. I’ve suddenly been flooded with countless commitments, including writing a book and traveling,” she explained, reflecting on how motherhood has transformed her life.
Pellegrini noted the importance of the role of family, emphasizing how her little Matilde, who was born on January 3, 2024, has brought immense joy: “Not only is she my daughter, she’s my source of happiness.” She shared the challenges she faced during childbirth after enduring two grueling days of labor before undergoing emergency surgery.
Despite her past relationship with fellow swimmer Filippo Magnini, which was often marred by public scrutiny, Pellegrini has deliberately kept her current life more private, distancing herself from the media gossip train. “Whenever there’s gossip, I just stay quiet. I choose to focus on what truly matters—my family and my happiness,” she remarked.
Today, Pellegrini stands as not just a sports icon but also as someone who has bravely navigated life’s ups-and-downs. Her recent openness about her personal life, transitioning from the pool to balancing family life, resonates with many. “What I discovered is how truly important family and love are to me,” she said.
Federica Pellegrini’s bravery extends beyond just personal challenges—her advocacy for social issues, including domestic violence prevention, has also established her as a role model. Since becoming involved with the Giulia Cecchettin Foundation, she’s committed to making her voice heard on significant causes impacting women's rights.
Preparing for the final episode of Ballando con le stelle promises to be exhilarating. With the lessons learned from her dancing experience, the resolve of facing her fears, and the focus on her family, Pellegrini continues to experience growth, inspiring those who follow her story both on and off the stage. “I’ve learned to have fun through this adventure and not shy away from challenges,” she remarked. The final showdown awaits, and with Pellegrini’s drive, one can expect nothing short of brilliance.
