World Champs Detti, Paltrinieri, Pellegrini Sign For Energy For Swim

Seven Italian swimmers have signed contracts to compete at the Energy for Swim 2018 meet, including 2017 World champs Gabriele Detti, Gregorio Paltrinieri and Federica Pellegrini.

The rest of the roster includes 2018 European champs Alessandro Miressi, Margherita Panziera and Simona Quadarella, along with short course European champ Luca Dotto. The seven are the first contracted swimmers announced from the host country, which is coming off of a breakout year at the European Championships.

A rule interpretation by FINA has classified the event as an international competition that needs FINA approval, something the event doesn’t have and doesn’t have time to obtain. FINA rules say that athletes could face bans between one and two years for competing in an unauthorized competition.

Meet organizers say contracted athletes will still be paid 50% of their promised appearance money if the meet is cancelled.

A number of high-profile athletes have publicly signed on to compete at the meet even after FINA’s warning, though it’s still unclear if the meet will proceed (or if all contracted athletes will compete) if the meet remains outside of FINA authorization.

You can see the full list below:

SIGNED CONTRACTS

SwimSwam is an Energy Standard Group partner.