Andrea Manzi can’t wait to hit the pool in Napoli

NAPOLI – Andrea Manzi just cannot wait to hit the pool in Napoli during the Summer Universiade 2019. He dreams of competing in his hometown, of improving personal best and of reaching the final. Who knows, perhaps even winning a medal?

“For me, it is a dream to be in an international race in my city,” says the young swimmer who will be part of an Italian squad that can be considered a real dark horse in the pool. “I know it is difficult to compete in high level sports in our region. I hope that the Universiade is the first step in uplifting both, Naples and Campania. The Universiade is a unique event, which has enriched me more than even the World and European Championships.”

He refers to his participation in the Taipei 2017 Summer Universiade, where he competed in the 1500m freestyle, along with his friend Gregorio Paltrinieri. Paltrinieri won gold in that race.

“Gregorio is a friend,” says the Neapolitan. “We have trained together recently and also in Taipei. He is a phenomenon and a special person; he has that quality that differentiates champions from the rest.”

Paltrinieri and Manzi went head to head recently, as they both competed in the Men’s 1500m Free at the 2019 Italian Swimming Championships this April. Paltrinieri was relentless in that race too, as he posted 14:38.34 to win gold. Manzi hopes to catch up with his friend during the Universiade and hopefully join him on the podium for Italy.

Even though he is a keen Law student on most days at the Pegaso University, Manzi says he cannot think of anything other than the Universiade right now. “Now I think only of the race, the first moment in the pool at the Universiade. I cannot wait!” he says.