From champions in the pool to parents, Federica Pellegrini and Matteo Giunta continue to face new challenges—many of them outside the water. United by their passion for swimming, their destinies crossed thanks to Federica’s extraordinary career, “La Divina". With eight straight World Championship medals in the 200-meter freestyle, multiple world records, and five consecutive Olympic finals in the same event, Pellegrini has written memorable pages in Italian swimming history, earning a place into the Swimming Hall of Fame. At the Teatro Sociale, Aldo Cazzullo discussed the champion's human side and her coach, now husband. Matteo Giunta, who had been Federica's coach since 2014 following the death of her longtime coach Alberto Castagnetti, became first her coach and then her life partner. Their love, which was made official during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, began discreetly, with covert visits and stolen rendezvous. They are now married and have a daughter named Matilde, after Federica's great-grandmother. Aside from love, they are bonded by sport: they run the Fede Academy in Livigno, where they share their enthusiasm with young people. Matteo also instructs champion Nicolò Martinenghi, while Federica pursues a career in television. "Swimming is a tough sport that doesn't allow for mistakes", says Federica, "and I'm old school". Matteo continues: “The hardest part of swimming is being alone against the clock and always having to give your all. Federica’s arrival gave Italian swimming a new push". Federica's career has been defined by significant sacrifices and difficult times, particularly in adolescence. Leaving her family to relocate to Milan, suffering with bulimia, and fear of failure were all important hurdles that she overcame with energy, persistence, and psychological help. "Mental training", she notes, "is often more difficult than physical training". Matteo also underlines the need of a sports psychologist for young athletes and discusses how the approach to training has evolved over time. "You don't progress through exhaustion, but through work done well". Their story also has a personal side. "The coach-athlete relationship was unbreakable", Matteo recalls, “but in the end, I gave in to her constant advances". Federica laughs: “At first Matteo was very serious—maybe too much—but he learned to understand me". Today, in addition to their athletic challenges, they are parenting together. "Becoming parents is the greatest joy, but also complex", Matteo explains. "You have to be very united". Federica adds, "The pregnancy and birth were intense, but also exhausting. The first few months were challenging, with continual sobbing and a mild form of postpartum depression." Little Matilde is already learning to swim: "We want her to become familiar with the water right away", her parents explain. Both have practical advice for young people: "Value the little things, human relationships, friendships, love, and family", adds Matteo. Federica adds: “Young people today are under constant pressure. At the Academy, we ban smartphones to help them truly focus on sport and personal growth".