On the plane a lady with a rosary and devout to Padre Pio told me that I would win two medals: Paltrinieri's revelation after the silver

Italy claimed silver in the mixed 4x1.5km relay at the European Aquatic Championships in Paris, finishing behind Germany's gold medal-winning team and Hungary’s bronze. The Italian quartet, composed of Barbara Pozzobon, Ginevra Taddeucci, Marcello Guidi, and captain Gregorio Paltrinieri, delivered a strong performance despite falling just short of gold. The race took place on August 8, 2026, in Paris, with the final results showing Germany taking the top spot, followed by Italy in second place, and Hungary securing third. Paltrinieri, who swam the final leg, was instrumental in pushing the team forward during the decisive moments of the race. His performance helped maintain the team’s position, though they were ultimately overtaken by the German team led by well-known swimmer Wellbrock. Prior to the competition, Paltrinieri shared a personal anecdote about his journey to the event. He recalled meeting a woman on the flight to Paris who carried a rosary and expressed faith in Padre Pio. She told him he would win two medals, which turned out to be accurate, Paltrinieri earned silver in the relay and bronze in the 5km individual event. He admitted that while he had hoped for gold, the outcome still felt rewarding, especially given the overall success of the Italian team. The Italian team concluded the championships with seven medals, including two golds, one silver, and four bronzes. However, they finished second in the overall medal tally, trailing Germany, which dominated with five medals, including four golds. Despite this, the Italian contingent described the tournament as a positive experience, highlighting their resilience and teamwork throughout the competition. Each member of the Italian relay team contributed significantly to the result. Taddeucci, known as the “queen of the Seine,” performed exceptionally well, leading the race early before passing the baton to Guidi, who came in third after a strong effort. Paltrinieri then took over, maintaining pressure on the German and Hungarian competitors until the end. The final stretch saw intense competition, with both Paltrinieri and the Hungarian swimmer Betlehem launching attacks on the German leader, Wellbrock, who managed to hold off the challenge and secure victory. Pozzobon praised her teammates for giving their best efforts, stating that each member played a crucial role in achieving the silver. Guidi expressed confidence in his future performances, believing he could improve further ahead of the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles. Taddeucci, meanwhile, emphasized the strength and unity within the team, noting their status as world and European runners-up, as well as national champions, thanks to their affiliation with the Fiamme Oro sports group. The Italian team’s performance reflected the high level of competition at the European Aquatic Championships, where athletes from multiple nations showcased exceptional skill and determination. While the silver medal marked a close call, it underscored the growing competitiveness of Italian swimming on the international stage. As the athletes prepare for future competitions, their experiences in Paris will serve as valuable lessons and motivation for continued success.