Ginevra Taddeucci won the women's five-km open-water swimming race on Wednesday at the 2026 European Aquatics Championships [1].
This victory marks a dominant stretch for the Italian athlete, who secured two gold medals in two days. Her performance establishes Italy as a primary force in open-water swimming during this year's championships in Paris.
The race took place on the Seine River on Aug. 5, 2026 [4]. Taddeucci claimed the gold medal in the five-km event [1], adding to her previous victory in the 10km race held the day before [5].
Hungary's Mihalyvari Farkas took the silver medal [1]. Italy secured a second spot on the podium as Barbara Pozzobon earned the bronze medal [2].
Following her second consecutive win, Taddeucci looked forward to the remaining events. "Ora ci divertiamo in staffetta," Taddeucci said [6].
The 2026 European Aquatics Championships have utilized the Seine River for open-water events, testing athletes' ability to navigate urban river conditions. Taddeucci's ability to win both the five-km and 10km distances demonstrates a rare combination of sprinting speed and endurance, traits necessary for podium finishes in open-water competition.
“Ginevra Taddeucci secured a second gold medal by winning the women's 5km open-water swimming event.”
Taddeucci's double-gold performance underscores Italy's current tactical superiority in open-water swimming. By winning both the 5km and 10km events, she has positioned herself as the most versatile distance swimmer in Europe, while the bronze finish by Pozzobon highlights the depth of the Italian national program.
