Italian Open Championships, second Olympic pass for Deplano: the Italian swimmer wins a place in the 4x100 freestyle

The third day of the Italian Open Swimming Championships got underway with a triumph from Leonardo Deplano.

Already assured of the Olympic berth in the 50-metre freestyle, the Italian swimmer secured another individual qualification spot for Paris 2024.

In the pool at Riccione's Swimming Stadium, the 25-year-old from Florence (photo ANSA) claimed a time of 48"09 (a new personal best) by winning his 100 freestyle heat and guaranteed himself a place in the 4x100 freestyle relay of the Olympic Games scheduled for the summer in the French capital.

“I am overjoyed,” said Deplano, “and I dedicate this time and the Olympic pass to my trainer Sandra Michelini, my family and all those who have always supported me. I knew I had it in me this time, so I decided to give it my all in the morning heats. My form is solid, but I've been feeling a bit drained after recovering from the flu I had last weekend.”

To secure a spot in the individual competition, Deplano will need to await the initial stages of the 4x100 freestyle relay on Saturday, 9 March.