When he was small, he was scared of water, but once he plunged into it he never looked back, to the point of becoming world champion in Kazan 2015, at the swimming marathon: nearly five hours of hard work and 25 km to complete to gain the world title. For him, swimming pool competitions are too short, so in Brazil he will compete in the 10 km race. Glasses with a thick rim, tattoos and long sideburns: the 26 year old from Tolentino is somewhat the “hipster” of Italian swimming. In the water, he shows a will of steel and great endurance; when he is out, instead, he likes reading, listening to alternative music and following motorcycle races, supporting Valentino Rossi. After his swimming career, he would like to complete his studies in Sport Science. In Rio, however, as his MotoCp idol, he would already like to graduate as “Doctor”.