After collecting silverware in junior waters, Sara Curtis has thrived on the senior stage where she has rewritten the Italian record books and surpassed Federica Pellegrini in the process.
The teenage sprinter announced herself at 15 at the 2022 European Junior Championships before turning sweet 16 and making four podium trips at the world juniors.
In March 2024, Sara set her first Italian senior record in the 50m freestyle to herald a breakout year. She won five golds, including the 50/100m freestyle double, at the European Junior Championships before making her Olympic debut in Paris. Sara was part of the Italian women’s 4x100m freestyle relay that finished eighth at La Defense Arena and also reached the 50 free semis. She then capped off a memorable year at the World Short-Course Championships with gold in the mixed 4x50m freestyle.
Fast-forward to the Italian Championships in Riccione in April 2025. The 100 free was first up where she sped to 53.01 which was 0.17 inside Federica Pellegrini’s 2016 national record. “I have no words for what I have done honestly. I knew I was fine and fit but I went beyond my expectations,” she told federnuoto.it. She returned for the 50 free the following day where she twice lowered her national record, stopping the clock in 24.43.
Then she could reflect a little on her achievements. “This time is incredible and crazy results are coming for me,” she said. “Yesterday I broke Federica Pellegrini’s record who is a legend for all of us.
“I train a lot during the week and I always try to improve, grow and learn thanks to the help of Thomas (coach Thomas Maggiora). I am a very simple girl who loves to be with the family.”
