Athletes use long-distance swims to promote sustainability and heritage in Italy

Athletes in Italy are utilizing long-distance swimming to promote environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

In Tonnarella, triathlete Simone La Barbera is undertaking a 50-kilometer swimming challenge. The initiative aims to convey messages regarding sportsmanship and environmental respect to younger generations. La Barbera recently achieved a personal milestone by completing a single 10-kilometer open-water session in 3 hours and 43 minutes.

In the Nettuno area, former water polo player Umberto Gatti swam approximately six nautical miles from Nettuno to the historic Torre Astura fortress. The swim served as a symbolic protest to draw public and institutional attention to the deteriorating condition of the maritime monument, following a recent structural collapse of a sea-facing wall.