Man, was the final session of the 2022 World Championships a great one for Italy. It began when Bendetta Pilato took Silver in the women’s 50 breast, marking her 2nd medal of these Championships. Then, veteran distance superstar Gregorio Paltrinieri put together a truly stellar performance in the men’s 1500, dominating the field from the start and posting the 2nd fastest time in history.

Italy’s session, and World Championships, ended with the biggest bang possible: an upset win in the men’s 4×100 medley relay. Not only did Italy beat out the defending Olympic Champs in the USA, the win marks Italy’s first World title in the event ever. It was the perfect way to cap off a stellar World Champs by Italy, in which they won 5 Gold medals and 9 medals overall.