The Italian Paralympic swimming team is preparing for the European Championships, taking place from 7 to 12 September in Istanbul. Interview with key figures Gilli and Barlaam 

Sara Curtis, Jannik Sinner, Kimi Antonelli. During the summer of the World Cup, where we missed out for the third time in a row, we still managed to enjoy ourselves. But perhaps we’re still lacking a bit of cultural awareness

“I never wanted to be a one-hit wonder. I’m inspired by Djokovic and Hamilton,” says the Italian champion who never stops swimming: “Happiness is still having a goal”

Geneva’s toughest challenge is against herself: she never lets herself off the hook: “I compete against myself and if I don’t do what I want, I torment myself. It’s unthinkable not to be at the top; I have to at least come close to my own standards – I berate myself.”