Italian Teen Phenom Alessandra Mao Stuns with Blazing 54.98 in 100 Free at EYOF…Read More…
In a performance that sent shockwaves through the European swimming community, 14-year-old Alessandra Mao of Italy delivered a jaw-dropping swim at the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), clocking an electrifying 54.98 seconds in the girls’ 100-meter freestyle final.
Held in Tbilisi, Georgia, this year’s EYOF has seen its fair share of rising stars, but Mao’s breakout swim in the blue-ribbon event cemented her status as one of Europe’s most exciting new talents. Not only did her time win her the gold medal, but it also ranks as one of the fastest ever recorded by a 14-year-old girl in European youth competition history — a feat that has Italian swimming officials and fans buzzing about her potential.
A Golden Moment for Team Italy
When Mao stepped onto the starting block, the energy in the aquatic center was already tense. Spectators and coaches from across the continent knew they were witnessing a stacked final — but few could have predicted just how dominant the young Italian would be. Surging off the blocks with a powerful reaction time and sharp underwater phase, Mao turned first at the 50-meter mark with a blistering split of 26.45 seconds.
Her closing speed was equally impressive. While many young sprinters struggle with maintaining pace on the back half, Mao held her form, fending off stiff challenges from Hungary’s Dora Szabo and France’s Emilie Laurent. As she surged to the wall and the scoreboard lit up with “54.98,” a wave of cheers erupted from the stands. Mao had not only claimed gold — she had made a statement.
Historic Time, Rising Star
To put Mao’s performance in perspective: a sub-55 second time in the 100m freestyle is considered elite even at senior levels. For a 14-year-old to break that barrier in a high-pressure international meet speaks volumes about her raw talent, composure, and technical skill.
Italian Swimming Federation President Paolo Barelli was quick to praise the young swimmer:
“Alessandra’s swim is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 14, she has already demonstrated the mentality and execution of an elite athlete. Italy is proud of her, and we believe she has the potential to lead the next generation of our national team.”
Comparisons are already being drawn between Mao and some of Italy’s all-time greats, including Olympic medalist Federica Pellegrini. While it’s early days, Mao’s name is now firmly on the radar of national selectors as Italy prepares its junior squads for the 2026 European Junior Championships and possibly even a spot on the senior team for the 2027 World Championships.
Training Roots and Family Support
Alessandra Mao trains with Nuoto Club Roma under coach Luca Bianchi, who has been overseeing her development since she was 10 years old. According to Bianchi, Mao’s work ethic is just as impressive as her speed.
“What sets Alessandra apart is her discipline and her drive. She’s in the pool every morning at 5:30, she watches race videos, she asks for feedback. She’s not just swimming fast—she’s learning fast too.”
Her family, too, has played a crucial role in her rise. Born in Milan to a Chinese-Italian family, Alessandra’s multicultural background has helped her develop a unique approach to sport and competition. Her mother, a former rhythmic gymnast, introduced her to competitive sports at a young age, while her father — a mechanical engineer — often helps Alessandra visualize the mechanics of swimming using 3D models.
“We’ve always believed in balancing athletic ambition with curiosity and learning,” said her mother, Giulia Mao. “Whether it’s building a Lego motorboat or studying old Olympic races, Alessandra just loves to understand how things move through water.”
European Swimming Takes Notice
Mao’s performance has already been shared widely across social media, with many European swimming fans dubbing her the “Italian torpedo” and celebrating her emergence as a future champion. Prominent athletes like Femke Heemskerk and even Sweden’s Sarah Sjöström have acknowledged her performance, with Sjöström reposting the race video on her Instagram story and commenting, “Wow! One to watch 👀🔥.”
Talent scouts and analysts are equally intrigued, noting Mao’s perfect combination of natural sprint power, smooth stroke technique, and mental poise.
“She’s got the X-factor,” said British commentator James Carron, who was calling the EYOF event live. “You can see it in the way she attacks the water — not just with strength but with intelligence. That’s rare at 14.”
What’s Next?
Following the EYOF, Alessandra is set to return to Italy for a brief training break before preparing for the Italian Junior Nationals later this year. Her coaches have emphasized a long-term development plan, resisting any pressure to rush her into senior competitions too quickly.
“She has years ahead of her,” said Coach Bianchi. “This is just the beginning.”
Still, with a time like 54.98 already under her belt, it’s hard not to imagine Alessandra Mao standing on much bigger podiums in the years to come.
For now, she remains focused, humble, and hungry. When asked what the gold medal meant to her, Mao simply smiled and said, “It means I’m doing something right. But there’s still so much more I want to learn.”
And if her performance in Tbilisi is any indication, Alessandra Mao is not just learning — she’s racing toward greatness.
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