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Italian Swimming Team Sets Internet On Fire With Shirtless Pic After Olympic Win
Italian Swimming Team Sets Internet On Fire With Shirtless Pic After Olympic Win
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Italian Swimming Team Sets Internet On Fire With Shirtless Pic After Olympic Win

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A photo of three Italian Olympic medalists has captured the attention of thousands of netizens, whose comments were not exactly focused on the shining trophies hanging from the men’s necks. 

The viral picture shows swimmers Nicolò Martinenghi,Thomas Ceccon, and Gregorio Paltrinieri posing shirtless with their medals.

People couldn’t help but comment on the men’s physical appearance, with one user describing the athletes as the “Holy Trinity.”

Thomas, from Vincenza, won gold in the men’s 100m backstroke at the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 29.

Nicolò, born in Varese, won gold in the 100m breaststroke.

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    Image credits: nicolomartinenghi

    Meanwhile, Gregorio, from Carpi, took home the bronze medal in the 800m freestyle event, marking his third podium finish in three consecutive Olympic Games. The gold medal went to Irish swimmer Daniel Wiffen, while the American Bobby Fink took the silver.

    “One more reason not to learn to swim and get saved,” a woman commented on the viral photo, which currently has over 400,000 likes.

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    “In Italy, we say, ‘You should be a UNESCO World Heritage Site,'” another one shared.

    The triumphant photo made someone else want to pack their bags and book a flight to the Bel Paese. “I’ve decided I’m moving to Italy.”

    Image credits: ceccon_thomas

    Image credits: greg_palt

    Mamma mia, what a trio!” wrote an Italian woman. “Proud of you guys. Very good, and also very good-looking.”

    “May Italians be eternal,” a separate user exclaimed.

    “Talented and also attractive, our swimming heroes,” a compatriot said, while another added, “The Olympic gods are all here.”

    “The favorite swimmers of your favorite swimmers,” wrote 23-year-old gold medalist Thomas Ceccon

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    Image credits: nicolomartinnenghi/greg_palt/ceccon_thomas

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    Reposting the photo on his Instagram stories, Thomas jokingly wrote, “The favorite swimmers of your favorite swimmers.”

    The 23-year-old toldRai News he had been dreaming of winning a gold medal ever since his childhood.

    “When I was a kid, I used to go to training with Alberto (the coach, ed.) by car. He asked me what my dream was. I said I wanted to win the Olympics, and he said, ‘Calm down, one thing at a time. ‘ As a kid, I knew I could win it,” recalled the sportsman, nicknamed  The Shark for his incredible speed and height of 1.97 meters (6.4 feet).

    Thomas, from Vincenza, won gold in the men’s 100m backstroke

    Gregorio, from Carpi, took home the bronze medal in the 800m freestyle event

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    Meanwhile, Nicolò, born in Varese, made his country proud after winning gold in the 100m breaststroke


    Standing on the podium and bringing glory to his nation felt “emotional,” Thomas added.

    “It hadn’t happened to me at the World Championships, but here, there’s a race every four years; if you make a mistake, you’ve lost everything.

    “I’m enjoying myself, but tomorrow I’ll wake up knowing that I haven’t done anything. Those who compete in more races don’t rest.” 

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    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Read more »

    With a degree in social science and a love for culture, I approach entertainment journalism at Bored Panda with a research-driven mindset. I write about celebrity news, Hollywood highlights, and viral stories that spark curiosity worldwide. My work has reached millions of readers and is recognized for balancing accuracy with an engaging voice. I believe that pop culture isn’t just entertainment, it reflects the social conversations shaping our time.

    Read less »
    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    With a degree in social science and a love for culture, I approach entertainment journalism at Bored Panda with a research-driven mindset. I write about celebrity news, Hollywood highlights, and viral stories that spark curiosity worldwide. My work has reached millions of readers and is recognized for balancing accuracy with an engaging voice. I believe that pop culture isn’t just entertainment, it reflects the social conversations shaping our time.

    What do you think ?
    Bec
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stop oogling the athletes and show some respect!

    Zoe's Mom
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was thinking the same. These athletes: regardless of gender, put their lives on hold for the Olympics and we have reduced ourselves to just seeing the surface of someone rather than the hard work and dedication it takes to get to the Olympics. Jeez...

    Load More Replies...
    Joe Bloe
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty sure it's bad when done over women...

    Emie N.
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is. Sexualizing ANY human being is gross and wrong.

    Load More Replies...
    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What - because they were fully dressed in the pool? What a load of twaddle.

    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can't wait for the women's beach volleyball. I trust you'll give those participants similar coverage?

    Insomniac
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My 78-year-old friend looked at the picture. "Well, we can appreciate the Good Lord's handiwork in creating those ones, can't we?" I'm not going to explain to her about sexism. Let her smile and dream of her younger days. Her thoughts aren't hurting them. I actually like sketching Olympians and high-level athletes because the muscle formation is so fantastic, and it's amazing to think about the work they put in and how the different muscle groups develop. IRL, I'm attracted to a furry beer gut. I don't sketch those guys because it's inappropriate to feel sexual attraction to a subject. But I would not make dirty comments online about anyone''s body even if I admire the aesthetics of their musculature from an artistic perspective or if I find them attractive.

    Magazine
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The pure fact someone would pose like that knowing that they are good looking is a HUGE turn off for me. Ps I'm Italian.

    Hi
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes. When I was 23 I also looked good. Now if I comment on the females I'm a creep. Also, I no longer look good. Dang.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here's a jaw-dropping fact: commenting on "the males" also makes you a creep. It doesn't matter what gender the person is or isn't - sexist comments about someone's body parts is gross and disrespectful.

    Load More Replies...
    Bec
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stop oogling the athletes and show some respect!

    Zoe's Mom
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was thinking the same. These athletes: regardless of gender, put their lives on hold for the Olympics and we have reduced ourselves to just seeing the surface of someone rather than the hard work and dedication it takes to get to the Olympics. Jeez...

    Load More Replies...
    Joe Bloe
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty sure it's bad when done over women...

    Emie N.
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is. Sexualizing ANY human being is gross and wrong.

    Load More Replies...
    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What - because they were fully dressed in the pool? What a load of twaddle.

    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can't wait for the women's beach volleyball. I trust you'll give those participants similar coverage?

    Insomniac
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My 78-year-old friend looked at the picture. "Well, we can appreciate the Good Lord's handiwork in creating those ones, can't we?" I'm not going to explain to her about sexism. Let her smile and dream of her younger days. Her thoughts aren't hurting them. I actually like sketching Olympians and high-level athletes because the muscle formation is so fantastic, and it's amazing to think about the work they put in and how the different muscle groups develop. IRL, I'm attracted to a furry beer gut. I don't sketch those guys because it's inappropriate to feel sexual attraction to a subject. But I would not make dirty comments online about anyone''s body even if I admire the aesthetics of their musculature from an artistic perspective or if I find them attractive.

    Magazine
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The pure fact someone would pose like that knowing that they are good looking is a HUGE turn off for me. Ps I'm Italian.

    Hi
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes. When I was 23 I also looked good. Now if I comment on the females I'm a creep. Also, I no longer look good. Dang.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here's a jaw-dropping fact: commenting on "the males" also makes you a creep. It doesn't matter what gender the person is or isn't - sexist comments about someone's body parts is gross and disrespectful.

    Load More Replies...
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