The much-anticipated finale of 'Ballando con le Stelle' unfolded on December 21, 2024, captivating audiences across Italy. Among the competitors was Federica Pellegrini, the celebrated Olympic swimmer, who demonstrated her resilience and grace on the dance floor, securing the runner-up position amid dramatic twists and turns.
Pellegrini's experience on the show was anything but straightforward. This season saw the starly athlete switching dance partners three times, largely due to unforeseen circumstances. Her initial partner, Angelo Madonia, was dismissed from the competition following alleged conflicts with the producers, leaving Pellegrini to adapt quickly to keep her momentum going.
Reflecting on her time on the show, Pellegrini expressed immense pride for reaching the finals, stating, "I am thrilled, with my path it was already a miracle to arrive at the final ring. We still made it; we played hard till the end. Technically speaking, I must say, Bianca Guaccero and Giovanni Pernice were quite unbeatable from my perspective, so it’s fair enough." This quote, captured by Il Giornale, showcases not only her competitive spirit but also her respect for her fellow contestants.
The season was riddled with both excitement and considerable public interest. After weeks of performances, Pellegrini finally partnered with Pasquale La Rocca, who helped her navigate through the intense competition. Social media celebrated their synergy, with Pellegrini thanking La Rocca with heartfelt words: "Thanks for pushing me to want more... It was incredible!" Such comments have drawn significant attention on various platforms, highlighted by the enthusiastic reactions from her fans.
With her eyes set on growth rather than just the competition, Pellegrini admitted to feeling emotional about the ups and downs of her experience. "I think about everything that's been and what could have been, and it makes me a little angry because things initially didn’t go as I wanted," she expressed candidly, referencing the tumultuous start with Madonia. Her transparent sharing of feelings added extra layers of maturity to her performance, where she accepted both joy and frustration.
Despite not clinching the title, Pellegrini made strides distinct from her achievements as a swimmer. "Ballando helped me show more of my body; I discovered parts of myself I had never accessed before," she reflected during her presentations. The sentiment expressed her newfound confidence and appreciation of the art of dance, proving her evolution from the water to the dance floor.
The competition's final ranking, which declared Guaccero and Pernice as champions, sparked some controversy. Following her second-place finish, Pellegrini faced comments questioning her victory over popular contestant Federica Nargi. Responding to the critiques, Pellegrini asserted, "I recognize Federica may have been technically stronger than me, but that's how 'Ballando' has always worked, so I don’t feel guilty about it." Her stance showcased her grounded perspective amid public expectations.
Weaving through the adventures of this season on 'Ballando con le Stelle', Pellegrini not only illustrated her tenacity as the 'Divina' of swimming but also embraced the evolution of becoming comfortable with change. Her experience serves as a heartwarming reminder of the importance of resilience, regardless of the platform—on land or water.
With love and support surrounding her, including praise from her husband Matteo Giunta, who stated on-air, "I've never seen you look more beautiful than today, thanks to Pasquale who elevated you," Pellegrini’s time on the show was marked by encouragement and growth.
Now as she continues to flourish beyond the spotlight, Pellegrini carries with her the lessons learned from the dance floor and the strength from her swimming legacy, exemplifying the dynamic blend of athlete and performer.
