Italy Hosts 394 Para Swimmers from 40 Nations This Week

When four-time Paralympic champion Carlotta Gilli dives into the pool in Lignano Sabbiadoro this week, she'll hear something special: her own country cheering her on.

The Italian Para swimming star is one of 394 elite athletes from 40 nations competing at the second stop of the 2026 Para Swimming World Series. The four-day competition runs through March 15 at Bella Italia EFA Village, bringing together Paralympic champions and emerging talents in one of Europe's premier Para swimming events.

Gilli, who has collected 14 world titles as a visually impaired swimmer, is competing in four events: the 100m backstroke, 100m butterfly, 50m freestyle, and 100m freestyle. "Competing at home, with the Italian public, my friends and family, creates an amazing atmosphere," she said.

Italy enters the competition with momentum. The team just finished their fourth consecutive World Championships as the nation with the most gold medals, and they're bringing their largest delegation ever with 194 swimmers registered.

Gilli credits Italy's success to a unique balance. Athletes train at home near their families and personal coaches, but regularly come together for camps and competitions. "We support each other in difficult moments and celebrate together in the happy ones," she explained.

The home team features other standout performers, including Giulia Ghiretti, who won gold at Paris 2024 in the 100m breaststroke SB4. Alberto Amodeo, who also claimed two golds in Paris, will compete in his specialty freestyle events after winning gold and two silvers at the recent Singapore World Championships.

The Ripple Effect

The international field includes exciting new voices in Para swimming. Turkey's Defne Kurt, competing in just her second major international meet, arrives fresh off a stunning five-gold performance at the Singapore World Championships. The S10 swimmer will race in the same five events where she became world champion.

Poland's Oliwia Jablonska brings her own rising star power after earning bronze in the 400m freestyle at Singapore 2025. Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Poland each sent 13-athlete teams, while Turkey follows with 12 swimmers, showing the global reach of Para swimming.

All heats and finals are being livestreamed, giving fans worldwide access to watch these athletes push their limits. For many competitors, Lignano Sabbiadoro represents a crucial stepping stone as they build toward major championship performances later in the season.

The competition proves that excellence in sports transcends borders, bringing nations together to celebrate human achievement at its finest.