In a stunning display of speed and skill, 18-year-old Sara Curtis has made waves in the swimming world by breaking the long-standing Italian record in the women’s 100-meter freestyle. Competing at the Absolute Championships in Riccione on April 15, 2025, Curtis clocked an impressive time of 53.01 seconds, eclipsing the previous record of 53.18 seconds set by the legendary Federica Pellegrini in 2016. This remarkable achievement not only secured Curtis the Italian title but also qualified her for the upcoming World Championships in Singapore.
With the crowd buzzing and anticipation in the air, Curtis’s performance was nothing short of electrifying. She opened with a blazing split of 25.16 seconds, showcasing her explosive start, before returning with a solid 27.85 seconds. Her overall time of 53.01 seconds not only broke Pellegrini’s record by 0.17 seconds but also marked the fastest swim in the world this season, placing her ahead of the Netherlands’ Milou Van Wijk, who previously held the top time of 53.18 seconds.
“I have no words for what I’ve done, honestly. I knew I was in good shape, but I exceeded my expectations,” said Curtis, who is also the reigning European junior champion. Her victory was a culmination of hard work and dedication, as she expressed her joy and disbelief at achieving such a milestone. “I’ve beaten a legend like Federica, who represents so much for us. Now I have more races here in Riccione before focusing on the World Championships,” she added, reflecting on the significance of her accomplishment.
Following Curtis in the race was Emma Virginia Menicucci, who finished in second place with a time of 54.14 seconds, and Chiara Tarantino, who took third with a time of 54.28 seconds. Both competitors put in commendable performances, but they were overshadowed by Curtis’s record-breaking swim.
In addition to her triumph in the 100-meter freestyle, Curtis has been on a remarkable journey throughout the championships. Earlier in the meet, she broke the 54-second barrier with a lead-off leg of 53.72 seconds in the 4×100 freestyle relay and also earned gold in the 50-meter backstroke, lowering her personal best from 27.94 seconds to 27.90 seconds. Although she narrowly missed the World Championships qualifying standard of 27.79 seconds for the backstroke, her performances have solidified her status as a rising star in the sport.
Notably, Curtis has a rich background in competitive swimming. She won four medals at the 2022 World Junior Championships in Lima, including individual silver in the 50-meter freestyle and bronze in the 50-meter backstroke. Additionally, she is a six-time gold medalist at the European Junior Championships, where she excelled in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, and 50-meter backstroke events. Her Olympic debut last summer in Paris saw her finish 14th in the 50-meter freestyle and contribute to the Italian women’s 4×100 freestyle relay, which placed eighth.
At the 2024 Short Course World Championships held in Budapest, Curtis anchored Italy’s gold medal-winning mixed 4×50 freestyle relay, showcasing her versatility and speed by closing in 23.34 seconds. This victory highlighted her potential on the international stage and set the tone for her future endeavors.
The 2025 Italian Championships, which run from April 13 to April 17, have provided a platform for Curtis to showcase her talent and determination. Her performances have not only captivated fans but also inspired a new generation of swimmers in Italy. As she prepares for the World Championships in Singapore, the swimming community eagerly anticipates her next moves.
With her sights set on further accomplishments, Curtis remains focused on her training and upcoming competitions. “There have been many changes compared to last season. We concentrated a lot on this 100 freestyle because I struggled to get it right in my head and arms. This time, I managed to combine all three aspects, and I’m thrilled with the outcome,” she explained, emphasizing her relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the championships continue, Curtis’s journey is far from over. With more races on the horizon, she is determined to keep pushing her limits and setting new benchmarks for herself and her peers. The excitement surrounding her achievements is palpable, and the swimming world is ready to witness what this young athlete will accomplish next.
In conclusion, Sara Curtis’s record-breaking swim has not only etched her name in the annals of Italian swimming history but also established her as a formidable competitor on the global stage. As she prepares for the World Championships, fans and fellow athletes alike will be watching closely, eager to see what this extraordinary talent will achieve next.
