The Stilelibero Preganziol team is gearing up for the upcoming Criteria Nazionali Giovanili swimming competition, set to take place in Riccione from March 28 to April 2, 2025. This prestigious event will bring together young swimmers from across Italy, all aiming to showcase their skills and potential in a 25-meter pool.
Head coach Andrea Franconetti and technical director Luca Lucchetta are leading the Preganziol squad, which hopes to replicate last year's stellar performance where several athletes brought home medals. Among the star competitors is Alessandra Mao, competing in the Ragazze 2011 category, who earned an impressive seven gold medals in the previous year’s events. The team also has strong hopes riding on Francesco Ceolin, a Junior 2008 swimmer who previously took home four gold medals.
The roster showcases a competitive lineup. In the Ragazze category alongside Mao are Giorgia Tranquillini, Anna Peron, Gemma Braidotti, Letizia Chinellato, Greta Balzano, and Martina Callegaro. The Cadette team includes Cristiana Stevanato, Marta Peres, Sofia Losiggio, Anna Durante, and Braidotti once again. The Junior category features Carlotta Brida and Vittoria Spano, both set to make their mark.
On the boys' side, Leonardo Moro will compete in the Ragazzi category, while Simone Silveri represents the Cadetti, and Francesco Ceolin returns along with Filippo Monestier and Giovanni Silveri in the Junior category. Each athlete has dedicated significant effort in training leading up to this national event and is now primed to achieve impressive results.
The Criteria Nazionali Giovanili serve as a benchmark for young swimmers to challenge themselves and compete against the best talents from Italy. This platform allows these athletes to gain valuable experience and potentially set the stage for promising careers in swimming.
Simultaneously, the women's sector of the Criteria Nazionali Giovanili BPER 2025 will occur from March 28 to March 30, while the men's events are scheduled from March 31 to April 2. As the event approaches, many female athletes are eager to showcase their talents and capabilities.
Among the young promises in the Ragazze category, Zoe Johnson from Sport Club 12 Ispra is noted for having the best entry time across all six events she will participate in, including the 100, 200, 400, and 800 freestyle events as well as the 100 and 200 backstroke. As a standout in her age group, her entry time of 2:19.19 in the 200 backstroke makes her a formidable competitor.
Alessandra Mao from Team Veneto, already a known figure from previous championships, is expected to be one of the stars, having entered five events with leading entry times. Her registration times include an impressive 1:58.22 in the 200 freestyle and 4:17.77 in the 400 freestyle.
Looking ahead, Giorgia Barozzi, another standout from Coopernuoto, is competing in six events. She boasts strong registration times, including near the one-minute mark in the 100 backstroke and 2:10.63 in the 200 backstroke. Greta Rossi, competing for Sporting Club 63, has registered for four events and has clocked a remarkable 59.92 in the 100 backstroke, making her one of the competitors to watch.
Sara Pedemonte from Team Trezzo Sport will be competing in four events, leading the 800 and 1500 freestyle entries with registration times of 8:34.61 and 16:11.39 respectively. Meanwhile, Valentina Procaccini from Circolo Canottieri Aniene and Ludovica Di Maria from Sporting Club 63 are also among the names expected to make waves in their respective events.
Valentina Procaccini has a robust track record, especially noted for her entry in the 1500 freestyle with a time of 16:06.13, and she has previously earned a bronze medal at the senior national championships. As for Di Maria, she is setting herself up as a top competitor in both sprint freestyle and backstroke categories.
As these young athletes prepare to take the plunge in Riccione, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. They are not only looking to secure medals but are also eager to test their skills among their peers on a national level. With the stage set, the Criteria Nazionali Giovanili 2025 promises to deliver thrilling races and unforgettable performances.
Fans of young swimming talent will undoubtedly be watching closely as their favorite athletes take to the waters in what is shaping up to be a competitive and inspiring event.
