by InTrieste
On a picture-perfect Sunday in Trieste, the city’s famed bora winds softened and visibility stretched across the Gulf, creating the ideal setting for the Barcolana Nuota. Hundreds gathered along the Rive to witness a spectacular day of sportsmanship, as 374 swimmers from Italy, Slovenia, and Austria competed in what has become one of Italy’s premier open-water swimming events.
The Barcolana Nuota, organized by the Società Velica Barcola-Grignano in partnership with Triestina Nuoto Samer & Co. Shipping, saw professional athletes and enthusiasts alike take to the water in a nautical mile race set against the backdrop of Trieste’s historic Piazza dell’Unità. Among the competitors was Olympic swimmer Luca Dotto, while Stefania Pirozzi, a top event manager, and Barcolana president Mitja Gialuz led the cheers from the sidelines.
Pasquale Sanzullo, a swimmer from Italy’s national team, claimed the overall victory, while fellow Italian Giulia Salin made history as the first woman to finish, coming in second overall. “Barcolana Nuota is a unique event in Italy,” Sanzullo said after the race. “From start to finish, I enjoyed every moment, especially as the cheering crowd grew louder with just 200 meters to go. I can’t wait to return next year.”
This year’s edition, which marked the 10th anniversary of Barcolana Nuota, brought unprecedented participation and enthusiasm. “Perhaps the most beautiful Barcolana Nuota Trofeo Luca Giustolisi we’ve ever had,” said Gialuz, referring to the swimming race’s namesake, a tribute to the late champion swimmer. Gialuz praised the collaboration between local swimming clubs and the passionate response from the athletes and public.
Barcolana Nuota has grown into more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of Trieste’s maritime culture and sporting spirit. The new course, which extended to the Diga del Porto Vecchio before turning back to the San Giusto Basin, allowed participants to fully embrace the city’s rich connection to the sea.
“It’s a fantastic event,” said Dotto, reflecting on the race’s inclusivity. “It creates a special connection between professionals and amateurs. Everyone comes together to celebrate not just the sport but the wonderful values that swimming fosters.”
In addition to the main event, Barcolana Nuota featured a dedicated race for athletes with disabilities, as part of the second edition of the Barcolana Nuoto Pinnato. Thirty-three young competitors from across Italy participated in a 500-meter open-water course, showcasing their talents in both monofin and two-finned swimming categories. Champions were crowned across a range of classifications, with competitors overcoming both physical and intellectual disabilities.
The atmosphere along the waterfront was electric, with spectators filling the Rive to support the swimmers. Trieste’s love for the sea was palpable, as families, tourists, and locals cheered on the athletes from start to finish.
Event manager Stefania Pirozzi hailed the success of the event. “This was one of the largest and most well-attended Barcolana Nuota races we’ve ever had,” she said. “The response from the athletes and the city has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re already hard at work planning next year’s edition.”
Interview: Olympic swimmer, Luca Dotto
