CecconS Australian training Pays Off

Italian swimming sensation Thomas Ceccon, currently training in Australia, has achieved a remarkable feat at the National Brisbane Championships.The 24-year-old swimmer set a new Italian record in the 200m backstroke, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Record-Breaking performance in Brisbane

Ceccon clocked an impressive 1’55″71 in the 200m backstroke, becoming the first Italian to break the 1’56” barrier. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 1’56″29, set by Matteo Restivo in 2016. This victory completes Ceccon’s collection of Italian records across all three backstroke distances.

«I don’t like anything about the 200 back»

Thomas Ceccon, June 2024

Interestingly, Ceccon had previously expressed his dislike for the 200m backstroke. Though, his training in australia has evidently transformed his outlook, unlocking his potential in this challenging event. This performance secures his spot at the Singapore World Cup in July.

Global Ranking and Ancient Context

Ceccon’s time of 1’55″71 currently ranks as the third-fastest globally in 2025.Oliver Morgan (GBR) leads the seasonal rankings with a time of 1’55″55, achieved at the British London Championships on April 20th. The world record in the 200m backstroke, one of the oldest in swimming, remains at 1’51″92, set by American Aaron Peirsol at the 2009 World Championships in Rome during the era of polyurethane “super suits.”

Olympic Ambitions and Future Prospects

Ceccon, an Olympic gold medalist in the 100m backstroke and world record holder (51″60), has had a complex relationship with the 200m distance. He narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympic final by a mere 0.07 seconds. To provide context, his new Italian record of 1’55″71 would have placed him eighth in the Olympic final won by Hubert Kos (1’56″26).

Looking Ahead: ceccon’s 100m Backstroke

The swimming world eagerly anticipates Ceccon’s performance in his signature event, the 100m backstroke, scheduled for Wednesday, April 23rd, at the Australian championships in brisbane.

«as I am in Australia I feel regenerated – training here is wholly different. I discovered the pleasure of dividing the efforts with many samples, Those with whom I am training in Brisbane. It’s like a family. And then on the weekend I can take the car and go to surf on the Gold Coast.»

thomas Ceccon

Ceccon has expressed his renewed energy and enjoyment of training in Australia, citing the collaborative environment and the chance to train with other elite athletes. The change of scenery and training regime appear to be paying dividends, setting the stage for potentially more record-breaking performances.