Giulia Gabbrielleschi: Signs of Awakening in the Swimming World Cup in Ibiza

Spring Awakening. Those who know how to translate the words and expressions of Massimiliano Lombardi, the coach of Nuotatori Pistoiesi who has been on the Italfondo staff for years, assure that this time the 19th place of Giulia Gabbrielleschi in the 10 kilometers of World Cup in Ibiza should be taken as a sign of awakening. The awakening of spring. The champion from Pistoia is not yet in Olympic condition, but she is slowly returning to her levels.

In the race won by the Spanish Angela Martinez, ahead of the German Rieder and the Hungarian Fabian, in which the Italians suffered a lot (the other Italians finished seventh, Taddeucci; fifteenth, Pozzobon; sixteenth, Caponi; and seventeenth, Berton), Giulia was with the group of the best until the end. "Then it happened that the water, decidedly cold, blocked her, just as it put the other Italian swimmers in serious difficulty - Lombardi's analysis -. However, there was evidence of progress compared to Soma Bay: Giulia had a more consistent race, even if she lacked something in the final, precisely".

To those who ask him "did he understand that he can return to his usual standards?", Lombardi, smiling, replies "ask her that". Today there could be further confirmation. Gabbrielleschi will compete in a new and intriguing race, Knockout, a multiple test: a first of 1500 meters; if qualified, a second of 800 meters and, if she has earned the prestigious pass, the final sprint of 400 meters. The goal is to arrive in good shape at European Open Water Swimming Championship, which will be held from May 28 to 31 in Stari Grad, in Italian old town, a town that lies in a protected bay along the northern coast of the island of Hvar, in Croatia. The highest continental competition will serve for possible participation, in July, in the World Championship, which will be held in Singapore.

Gianluca Barni