Sara Curtis wins gold and smashes world record in 50m backstroke at Paris meet
Translated from Italian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Italian swimmer Sara Curtis won the gold medal in the 50-meter backstroke at the European Championships in Paris.
- She set a new world record with a time of 26.56 seconds, beating her previous record.
- Curtis expressed her joy and disbelief, calling the achievement a dream come true.
Italian swimmer Sara Curtis achieved a remarkable feat at the European Championships in Paris, clinching the gold medal in the 50-meter backstroke and simultaneously setting a new world record.
The 19-year-old athlete delivered an exceptional performance, accelerating in the final 15 meters to touch the wall in 26.56 seconds. This time surpassed her previous world record, solidifying her dominance in the event. She finished ahead of France's Mary-Ambre Moluh, who took silver with 27.06, and Britain's Lauren Cox, who secured bronze at 27.15.
I am truly very happy. It's hard to manage the emotions of yesterday's record. I really tried to accelerate in the last 15 meters. It's absurd. I'm happy. A dream, a huge goal.
Visibly emotional after her victory, Curtis shared her elation with Rai microphones. "I am truly very happy. It's hard to manage the emotions of yesterday's record. I really tried to accelerate in the last 15 meters. It's absurd. I'm happy. A dream, a huge goal," she exclaimed.
Curtis also spoke about her family, expressing a deep desire to share the moment with her parents. "If I could bring my parents to the podium, I would. I can't wait to hug them," she added, highlighting the personal significance of her triumph.
If I could bring my parents to the podium, I would. I can't wait to hug them.
Originally published by ANSA in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.