Italy’s Thomas Ceccon won the 100m backstroke title at the Paris 2024 Olympics and took world silver in the same event last summer in Singapore.
At 25 he is already the holder of nine European long course medals, including four golds won in Rome four years ago – the last time he contested these Championships.
Looking back now on your Paris 2024 experiences, which do you most clearly recall?
The thing I remember most clearly is probably the emotions after the races. Winning an Olympic medal is something you dream about your whole life, so those moments stay with you forever. I also remember the pressure before competing – it was huge, but in a good way.
What do you remember of the Olympic atmosphere and the city? Did it feel different to other competitions?
The atmosphere in Paris was amazing. The city was full of energy and people were really passionate about sport. Compared to other competitions the Olympics always feel different because everyone is watching and every race matters more. You can feel that from the moment you arrive.
Did you have any bad moments in Paris 2024?
Of course not – everything was perfect! There were stressful moments and some races where I expected more from myself. At the Olympics even small mistakes feel very big. But difficult moments also help you grow.
How different as an athlete and a person do you think you are heading into Paris 2026 compared to Paris 2024?
I think I’m more mature now both as an athlete and as a person. In 2024 I was still discovering a lot about myself under pressure. Going into 2026 I feel more experienced, calmer, and more aware of what I need to perform at my best.
How important to your impetus was winning silver at last year’s World Championships?
Winning silver at the World Championships was very important for me. It reminded me that I can stay at the highest level consistently. Sometimes a result like that gives you extra motivation to keep pushing every day in training.
What are your personal ambitions for Paris 2026?
My ambitions for Paris 2026 are to compete at my highest level, improve my performances and fight for medals again. I always want to challenge myself and see how far I can go.
How significant will the Paris 2026 Championships be for you in terms of a marker on the route to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics?
Paris 2026 will be an important step toward Los Angeles 2028. Every major championship teaches you something new, especially mentally. It’s another opportunity to test myself against the best swimmers in the world.
Were you able to have friends and family watching you in Paris. If so, how special was that and will it happen again this summer?
Yes, having friends and family there in Paris was really special. Swimming can sometimes feel very individual, so seeing the people who support you every day means a lot.
I hope they’ll be there again this summer because it gives me extra motivation.
Did you have much chance to experience Paris as a city in 2024? Any particular places/scenes that resonated strongly? What will be on your city wishlist this summer?
I didn’t have a lot of free time to explore the city during the Olympics, but whenever I could I really enjoyed the atmosphere around Paris. The city felt alive all the time.
This summer I’d like to experience a bit more of the culture, the food, and maybe spend more time just walking around and enjoying the city without the Olympic pressure.
Swimming at the European Aquatics Championships Paris 2026 will take place at the Olympic Aquatic Centre in St Denis from August 10 to 16.
Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics
