Federica Pellegrini

A swimming icon and a legend in Italian sports, Federica Pellegrini belongs to the exclusive pantheon of athletes who have rewritten the rules of their sport, marking a clear "before and after" on its timeline. An IOC member and television personality, her love for swimming has always pushed her to persevere, driven by the determination and tenacity that define her character. A strong advocate for female empowerment and beauty both in and out of the water, Federica is passionate about fashion and, after becoming a mother, promotes the combination of strength and beauty through a renewed love for her body and her new life. Federica Pellegrini is a former Italian swimmer and is considered one of the most successful and influential athletes in the history of international swimming. Born in Mirano (Venice) on August 5, 1988, she specialized in freestyle, excelling in the 200m and 400m distances. Nicknamed “La Divina” (The Divine), she is renowned for her extraordinary talent and a career filled with historic achievements.

Early Athletic Success:

Federica made her mark at a very young age. At just 16 years old, she won the silver medal in the 200m freestyle at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, becoming the youngest Italian athlete ever to step onto an individual Olympic podium.


Olympics and World Championships:

• Gold medal in the 200m freestyle at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
• First woman in history to win eight consecutive medals in the same event (200m freestyle) at the World Championships
• Set world records in the 200m and 400m freestyle, several of which remained unbeaten for years

Retirement:
In 2021, Federica competed in her final Olympic Games in Tokyo and officially retired from competitive swimming after an emotional and storied career.

Television Appearances:

• 2019: Judge on Italia’s Got Talent (prime time on Rai1)
• 2023: Competed with her husband on the reality show Pechino Express
• 2024: Participated in Ballando con le Stelle (Dancing with the Stars), finishing in second place
• 2025: Took part in the special edition Sognando…Ballando con le Stelle
• 2025: Co-hosted an episode of the current season of Gialappa Show, aired on April 7, 2025

Records and Recognitions:

Federica has won numerous national, European, and world titles, solidifying her status as a swimming legend. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Collare d’Oro al Merito Sportivo, the highest honor for sporting merit in Italy. Since 2021, she has been a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), elected to the IOC Athletes’ Commission.
She is also a member of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Foundation. Federica is married to Matteo Giunta, and on January 3, 2024, they celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Matilde.