Age: 26
Nationality: Italian
Occupation: Long distance swimmer
Simone Ruffini is an Italian long-distance swimmer who specialises in the 5km event. Having had a place on the Italian national team since 2007, when he participated in the European Junior Swimming Championship in Milan, he went on to win bronze in the 3km team competition at the European Junior Championship the following year. In 2009 he was part of the team that represented Italy at the World Championships in Rome, coming ninth in the 5km.
It was in 2010 that Simone began to build upon his achievements, winning the Italian Championships in both the pool and open water, and placing third and second in the 5km and the team 5km respectively at the European Swimming Championship in Budapest.
Highlights of 2011 included winning the gold medal in China at the Shenzhen Universiade 10km in a time that was over two minutes faster than the silver medalist. Four years later, the 2015 World Championships in Kazan saw Simone snatch victory once again, receiving the gold medal after swimming an amazing 25km in the open water competition.
Wedding proposal to Aurora from the podium
Having now qualified for the 2016 Olympics, Simone recently paid a brief visit to the UAE in order to take part in the FINA/HOSA 10km Marathon Swim in Abu Dhabi. Fellow countryman, Nico de Corato, caught up with him for a brief chat.
What pushes you to swim 5, 10, or even 25km?
I began long-distance swimming with my first trainer, Massimo Russo, as an attempt to swim longer than the 1500m. I soon moved on to racing in lakes and the open sea in addition to pool swimming.
Which race do you remember with the most satisfaction?
The 10km of Kazan that granted me the Olympic place. That competition represented a great achievement and allowed me to dream of Rio.
Have you been able to visit any of the United Arab Emirates in addition to the competition site?
Unfortunately, no. As is the case for any competition, everything happens so quickly as soon as you arrive: training, technical meetings, and commitments with various organisations. You don’t have time to visit the city you are in. My trip to the United Arab Emirates was no different. It’s such a shame, because this sport allows us to travel around the world, and it would be beautiful to meet different people and observe different lifestyles and religions. In the end, instead, you normally don’t see anything but the pool or the water where you will race.
Fina Marathon Abu Dhabi 2016: selfie with Simone
What would be your advice for those who are interested in long-distance swimming?
I would just advise to try it, even if it might be an intimidating sport in the beginning. Try it and enjoy the feeling of freedom that pools cannot give you; wouldn’t you rather spend the racing weekend in the sea than in the pool?
Keep on swimming!
Interview by: Nico de Corato
Photos by: Nico de Corato and supplied
