Thomas Ceccon, "This Is Proof That Sometimes You Can Lose, But You Can Learn From That." (2024)

Anya Pelshaw

by Anya Pelshaw 3

July 29th, 2024 International, News, Paris 2024

2024 PARIS SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES

  • Pool Swimming:July 27 – August 4, 2024
    • Open Water Swimming:August 8 – 9, 2024
  • La Défense Arena — Paris, France
  • LCM (50 meters)
  • Meet Central
  • Full Swimming Schedule
  • SwimSwam Preview Index
  • Pick ’em Contest
  • How To Watch
  • Entry Lists
  • Live Results
  • Prelims Live Recaps:Day 1|Day 2|Day 3
  • Finals Live Recaps:Day 1|Day 2|Day 3

Italy’s Thomas Ceccon swam to a gold in the men’s 100 backstroke, in a swim that was redemption from last year at the 2023 World Championships when he won silver. Ceccon is the World Record holder in the event and stood at the top of the podium tonight.

“It was tough. I changed my tactical approach for tonight,” Ceccon said. “I have to say the last few meters I was very tired. But these races are won like this. Last year I lost because I was a bit slow and made a few mistakes, even during warm up. This time around, I haven’t made those mistakes. This is proof that sometimes you can lose, but you can learn from that.”

Finishing behind Ceccon for bronze was Ryan Murphy of the US who also won bronze in the event in Tokyo. Murphy’s wife had an announcement for him tonight, revealing the gender of their baby.

“When I was walking back around, Bridget was holding up a sign, and it said ‘Ryan it’s a girl’,” Murphy said. “So I’m having a baby girl in January. That was her gender reveal to me. We both thought it was going to be a boy. Everything is going to be dedicated to that little girl.”

After just missing the podium in Tokyo with a 4th place finish, David Popovici of Romania made history tonight becoming the first male for the country to ever win gold in the pool. Popovici said of his win, “I feel amazing. It is so great to be here. So many Romanians in the crowd. It’s beautiful, it’s a dream come true. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s so simple, yet so beautiful.”

Canada picked up its first gold medal in the pool this week as teenage Summer McIntosh swam to a win in the 400 IM. This was her second medal of the meet after silver in the 400 free. “I’m just trying to make team Canada proud,” McIntosh said. “I couldn’t really see anything until the breaststroke, then I knew I was in a comfortable lead going into that last 100m. It was an amazing feeling.”

After winning silver in Tokyo, Emma Weyant returned to the podium in the 400 IM with a bronze medal finish. Weyant missed the 2023 Worlds roster for the US after being disqualified in prelims at US Nationals in the 400 IM.

“I’m just so happy to be back on the podium. It’s been a long three years for me,” Weyant said. “Just getting back out there with my teammates means the world to me. This is kind of a redemption year. That has been my mindset the whole year.”

South Africa’s Tatjana Smith returned to the podium in the women’s 100 breast, winning gold this time around after winning silver in Tokyo. Smith will compete in the 200 breast later this week where she is the defending gold medalist.

“I am going to keep my phone off. I don’t know, I think everyone is so proud,” Smith said. “Obviously I think they would have been proud even if I did not win a medal. That’s what I am really grateful for, really just the people in my life, they have been so supportive. It’s the small things that make us and drive us as athletes.”

Ireland’s Mona McSharry captured her country’s first swimming medal since 1996 as she won bronze in the women’s 100 breast. McSharry shared her excitement saying, “Those moments when I thought I was done really put into perspective what I really do this for.”

“This is a huge bonus but there are so many other things that come as a part of this, like training and watching my friends compete, and being able to see myself progress and get better,” McSharry continued. “And then you have a bonus like this when you get to stand up on the podium and watch your flag being raised at the Olympic Games.”

In This Story

  • David Popovici
    David Popovici
  • Emma Weyant
    Emma Weyant
  • Ryan Murphy
    Ryan Murphy
  • Summer McIntosh
    Summer McIntosh
  • Thomas Ceccon
    Thomas Ceccon

Leave a Reply

Subscribe

3 Comments

newest

oldest most voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

formerswimmer

15 days ago

The world record holder defying all odds by winning the gold medal at the olympics is the most inspiring story of these games so far

27

Reply

Diehard

15 days ago

Cool and calm…not too excited if he wins and not too low if underperforms! This helps on big stage!
Still wondering: surfer dude or model type?

3

Reply

Susan

15 days ago

Ceccon looked so controlled in the semis, while the field either died or didn’t get going..tonight, he swam a great race again..

21

Reply

About Anya Pelshaw

Anya Pelshaw

Anya has been with SwimSwam since June 2021 as both a writer and social media coordinator. She was in attendance at the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Women's NCAA Championships writing and doing social media for SwimSwam. She also attended 2023 US Summer Nationals as well as the 2024 European Championships …

Read More »

More from Anya Pelshaw
See All

  • 4x NCAA Champion Aranza Vazquez Returning To UNC For 5th Year
  • The Top 30 Swims From The 2024 Paris Olympics
  • Gregorio Paltrinieri Gets Elbow Surgery After Injuring It The Night Of Paris Closing Ceremony
  • World Junior Record Holder, Olympic Finalist Mizuki Hirai Commits to Tennessee
  • NCAA ‘A’ Finalists Owen Lloyd And Luke Miller Returning to NC State For COVID 5th Years
Thomas Ceccon, "This Is Proof That Sometimes You Can Lose, But You Can Learn From That." (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Last Updated:

Views: 5920

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Birthday: 1997-10-17

Address: Suite 835 34136 Adrian Mountains, Floydton, UT 81036

Phone: +3571527672278

Job: Manufacturing Agent

Hobby: Skimboarding, Photography, Roller skating, Knife making, Paintball, Embroidery, Gunsmithing

Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.