The ninth edition of Swim The Island Sirmione took place on June 22nd and 23rd, attracting swimmers from all over Italy and abroad to challenge the waters of Lake Garda. Despite adverse weather conditions, the event once again showcased the passion and determination of the participants.
On Saturday, June 22nd, under the summer sun, Sirmione was invaded by approximately 1,500 colorful buoys that animated the lake waters. However, the climate drastically changed on Sunday with heavy rains that forced the organizers to modify the original plans. Nevertheless, the competition continued thanks to the flexibility of the TriO Events organization and the sponsorship of the Lombardy Region, the Province of Brescia, and the Municipality of Sirmione.
Massimiliano Rovatti, one of the organizers, explained, “On Sunday morning, the adverse weather forecasts became a reality. After careful evaluation, we decided to use the water area already designated for the race only in the maximum safety zone.”
In terms of winners, in the Classic Swim category, Emma Milan took first place in the women’s division with a time of 31’12”, followed by Valentina Dorfmann (+1:13) and Sofia Scarfone (32’31”). In the men’s division, Yannick Cappelletti claimed victory with a time of 29’45”, followed by Michele Chiarini (+7) and Nicholas Mazzoleni (29’54”).
In the Combined category, Rebecca Rimoldi from the Circolo Canottieri Aniene won the women’s division with a time of 52’57”, followed by Sheila Canevese (53’29”) and Elisabetta Rossi (54’47). Stefano Ghisolfo from Superba Nuoto dominated the men’s division with a time of 50’39”, followed by Andrea Ramon (+14) and Jacopo Ceruti (51’37”).
In the Short Swim category, Ludovica Perseu claimed first place in the women’s division with a time of 23’35”, followed by Daniela Zadra (25’19”) and Emma Milan (+2″). Yannick Cappelletti once again led the men’s division with a time of 23’30”, followed by Nicholas Mazzoleni (23’44”) and Edoardo Bidoggia (24’36”).
The adverse weather conditions required a reduction of the original 3,200-meter course for the Classic Swim to 2,500 meters to ensure the safety of the swimmers. This adaptation allowed the organizers to closely monitor the participants thanks to the strategically positioned rescue team along the route.
Mayor Luisa Lavelli praised the organization for managing the difficulties, stating, “Once again, the organization and the swimmers have shown us how determination and passion are essential in facing adverse conditions.”
The sporting weekend began with the KID’S THE ISLAND, dedicated to the younger participants on routes ranging from 100 to 400 meters depending on age. There was also great enthusiasm for the Family/Team Event (800m) and the MWM Relay (800m) relay race. The evocative Sunset Swim (1,500m), starting from Giamaica Beach at sunset, preceded the ceremony for the delivery of the Blue Flag 2024 in the presence of local authorities.
After the exciting Sardinian stage in San Teodoro on June 8th and 9th, the athletes will return to the water for the highly anticipated SWIMTHEISLAND Golfo d’Isola event scheduled for October 5th and 6th in the protected waters of the Bergeggi Marine Protected Area.
For more information on the complete program, visit www.swimtheisland.com.
Italian Version
