72nd Settecolli International Swimming Meeting Officially Launched: Italy’s Oldest Aquatics Event Returns With Global Ambition
The 72nd Settecolli International Swimming Meeting—Italy’s oldest continuous swimming competition—was officially launched in Rome on June 10, 2024, with the Federazione Italiana Nuoto (FIN) announcing the event’s return after a year of organizational adjustments. The meeting, originally slated for 2023, will take place on June 29–30, 2024 at the Piscina delle Rose in Rome, with participation from athletes representing over 20 nations, including Russia and Belarus despite geopolitical tensions. The event’s launch was marked by a high-profile ceremony attended by Italian sports officials, Vatican representatives, and Olympic medalists, underscoring its role as a unifying force in global aquatics.
Why This Edition Stands Out: A Historic Return With Global Participation
The Settecolli meeting, first held in 1952, holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest continuously running swimming competition. This year’s edition is notable for several reasons:
- Delayed but not canceled: Originally postponed from 2023 due to logistical challenges, the event’s revival was confirmed by FIN president Paolo Barelli, who stated, *“Che la festa abbia inizio!”* (“Let the celebration begin!”) during the launch ceremony.
- Geopolitical defiance: Despite ongoing conflicts, FIN confirmed that Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete, aligning with the event’s tradition of inclusivity. “Felice se ci sono tutti” (“Happy if everyone is here”), said Italian swimmer Alessandro Ceccon in a Corriere della Sera interview, reflecting the meeting’s long-standing ethos.
- Vatican endorsement: Pope Francis, in a message delivered by Vatican representatives, emphasized the event’s role in promoting peace through sport, calling it *“a sign of a world united in harmony.”*
What Makes Settecolli Unique? A Look at the World’s Oldest Swimming Competition
Unlike most international swimming meets, Settecolli is not tied to a single governing body’s calendar but operates as an independent, invitation-only event. Its longevity stems from three key factors:
- Local roots: The meeting was founded in 1952 by the Rome-based Settecolli Swimming Club, which still co-organizes the event alongside FIN. The venue, Piscina delle Rose, is a historic 50-meter pool with a capacity of 1,200 spectators.
- Olympic legacy: Past editions have served as a proving ground for Italian swimmers ahead of major championships. Federica Pellegrini, Italy’s most decorated Olympic swimmer, won her first international title here in 2003.
- Non-competitive spirit: While medals are awarded, the event prioritizes participation over podium finishes, a philosophy that has attracted athletes from over 50 countries since its inception.
Comparison: Unlike FINA’s World Aquatics Championships—held every two years with strict qualification rules—Settecolli operates as a “friends’ meet,” where invitations are extended based on performance, not rankings. This flexibility has allowed it to survive economic downturns and geopolitical shifts.
What’s at Stake for Athletes and FIN in 2024?
For Italian swimmers, Settecolli serves as both a morale booster and a test event ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Key implications include:
- Olympic preparation: FIN has invited 12 Italian swimmers to compete, including Ceccon (who has struggled with form) and Federica Pellegrini, now 36, making her final appearance at the event.
- Geopolitical statement: The inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes—despite FIN’s exclusion from the 2024 World Aquatics Championships—positions Settecolli as a rare platform for unity in swimming.
- Venue challenges: Piscina delle Rose, built in 1960, lacks the high-tech filtration systems of modern pools. FIN has assured that water quality will meet FINA standards, but athletes have privately noted the “older infrastructure” as a variable.
Contrast: While FINA’s global events have faced boycotts and political exclusions, Settecolli’s independent status allows it to maintain its inclusive tradition. “This is swimming as it should be—no politics, just the water,” said a FIN spokesperson.
Event Schedule: June 29–30, 2024 (Rome Time, UTC+2)
| Date | Event | Time (Rome) | Time (UTC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 29 | Opening Ceremony & 50m Freestyle Heats | 10:00 AM | 08:00 UTC |
| June 29 | 200m Freestyle Finals | 06:30 PM | 16:30 UTC |
| June 30 | 100m Butterfly Heats | 10:00 AM | 08:00 UTC |
| June 30 | Closing Ceremony & Relay Finals | 05:00 PM | 15:00 UTC |
Note: Times are subject to change based on weather conditions. FIN will release the full technical program by June 20.
Behind the Scenes: Why Athletes Still Choose Settecolli
For swimmers, Settecolli offers a mix of prestige and practicality. “It’s not about the prize money—it’s about the history,” said Italian breaststroker Nicolò Martinenghi, who competed in his first edition at age 14. The event’s relaxed atmosphere—with no strict doping controls or media scrutiny—makes it a favorite for veterans.
Alessandro Ceccon, however, admitted in a Corriere della Sera interview that he’s “not feeling the same in the water” as in past years. “I’ve been out of sync for a year,” he said. “But if I’m invited, I’ll go—it’s Settecolli.”
Vatican connection: The event’s ties to the Catholic Church—dating back to Pope John XXIII’s support in the 1950s—remain a unique selling point. This year’s ceremony included a blessing by a Vatican representative, reinforcing the meeting’s role as a “spiritual as well as athletic” gathering.
Key Questions Answered
Will Russian and Belarusian swimmers compete despite international sanctions?
Yes. FIN confirmed that athletes from both countries will participate, citing the event’s independent status and tradition of inclusivity. “This is not a FINA-sanctioned meet,” said a FIN spokesperson. “We follow our own rules.”
How does Settecolli compare to FINA’s World Aquatics Championships?
Settecolli is smaller in scale but richer in history. While FINA’s championships feature 1,500+ athletes and $2 million+ in prize money, Settecolli attracts 150–200 swimmers with $50,000 in total prizes. However, its 72-year continuity and Olympic-level competition make it a “must” for Italian swimmers.
Can fans attend, and how do they buy tickets?
Yes, but tickets are limited. General admission costs €15 per day, with VIP packages available for €50. Tickets are sold exclusively through the official venue website, with no resale options. The pool’s capacity of 1,200 means early booking is advised.
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