Around him he has a large crowd of admirers who, aware of the importance of the moment, do not miss the opportunity for a photo or an autograph. Gregorio Paltrinieri, even before being an Olympic champion and swimming legend, is an easy-going, courteous and always available guy. Next to him in the Council Chamber in via Libertà in Golfo Aranci, where the second stage of the World Cup in open water was presented this morning, which will land on the island and in Italy for the first time, is the Sardinian committee president Danilo Russu: Paltrinieri finishes greeting everyone, short haircut, light shirt with a white T-shirt underneath, smile on his face: he walks with slow steps towards the elegant purple armchairs on which he sits, summing up his preparation and a rich 2023 of exciting challenges.

Paltrinieri back in Sardinia: how are training going?

«I would say very well, I'm training hard, making the most of all aspects. I'm back from a boarding school in Sharm El Sheik last week, where we were able to swim in the sea given the excellent climatic conditions: I swam about seventy kilometers as a weekly average, there aren't many but the intensity was not lacking».

When will he start competing?

"On March 19, I will compete in the 10km open water race in Eilat at the Len Cup."

The second stage of the World Cup will take place in Golfo Aranci on 20 and 21 May. Do you know the competition area?

"Yes, absolutely. I've been to Golfo Aranci both to train and on holiday, the setting where the event will take place will be splendid».

Possible pitfalls?

«Everything will depend on the day, certainly the wind could have an influence as well as the use or not of the wetsuit based on the temperature. Then, of course, there are the opponents, the level will be very high and you will have to give your best to excel».