Breaking news in the world of Italian swimming! Gregorio Paltrinieri, the flag bearer for Italy at the closing ceremony of the Paris Games, has announced on Instagram that he broke his elbow that same evening. But not while waving the flag, that was a beautiful moment. Already operated on, he assures his fans that he will be back soon, attaching a photo of himself lying on a hospital bed with his left arm immobilized.
This unexpected announcement comes from the blue swimming champion, who had returned from Paris just yesterday looking happy and calm, alongside his partner Rossella Fiamingo, who was also a flag bearer at the closing ceremony. He had taken the time to do interviews and take selfies with fans who had gathered to welcome him. Paltrinieri won two medals in Paris, a bronze in the 800m freestyle and a silver in the 1500m freestyle, but finished ninth in the 10km open water race. After the long-distance race, feeling a bit disappointed, he had mentioned wanting to take a few months off before deciding on his next moves.
Now, the phrase “I will be back soon” at the conclusion of his social media message not only hints that the injury may not be severe, but also suggests that the Emilian Olympic champion still has a passion for getting back into the water.
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