“Pellegrini and Quadarella are not my idols.” Alessandra Mao surprises everyone at the Absolutes of Swimming in Riccione

“I have role models to follow, but they are not Federica Pellegrini and Simona Quadarella.” Alessandra Mao prefers to look inside herself, tracing her own path without trying to emulate anyone. Or almost. If there is one figure she is inspired by, it is that of Sarah Sjöström, Swedish champion who holds three world records and winner of numerous medals including three Olympic golds. The examples of Pellegrini and Quadarella are therefore not for…