Federica Pellegrini's feat at the World Swimming Championships in Budapest. The Italian swimmer took gold in the 200m freestyle after a super comeback on Ledecky.
The Olympian prevailed in the final with a time of 1'54"73, beating the reigning Olympic champion, the American Katie Ledecky who finished in 1'55"18, tied with the Australian Emma Mckeon.
”Honestly, I don't know what happened – Pellegrini commented at the end of the race -. I have yet to realize this, I really didn't think it was possible. I tried until the end, I think I did the perfect race. I don't know where I found the energy in the last tank, I just know that in my head I wanted the medal. It was important after what happened last year in Rio (when he finished fourth, ed), but I never thought I'd win. Beat Ledecky? Regardless of everything, it was important for me to win. In life you never know, these for me are the last 200 freestyle in international competitions. I will continue to swim by another route. Now I can say I'm at peace with myself."
