Marco De Tullio swims not just for medals but for the thrill of gliding through water, a truth that surfaces whenever he pushes off the pool deck. Born in Italy, he stepped into international competition at a young age—an ambition marked by early successes. At the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, with the water cool and the air thick with anticipation, he clinched a silver medal in the boys’ 400 metre freestyle, also snagging bronze in the 800 metre event. Not bad for a swimmer just beginning to carve out a place in a crowded field.

By 2019, the Gwangju World Aquatics Championships provided a stage for his aspirations, where he competed in men’s 400 metre freestyle—a substantial leap from youth competitions but one he embraced, even amid uncertainty. How does a teenager bridge the emotional divide between local pools and global events? It’s likely a mix of resilience, raw talent, and perhaps a dash of youthful bravado.

The rhythm of the sport reverberates through his journey: hard training, familial bonds—with brother Luca De Tullio also a swimmer—and the high stakes of world competitions. At the 2020 European Aquatics Championships, a bronze in the relay showcased not just individual grit but a collective strength that defined his approach to teamwork.

As he gears up for a future filled with potential—having navigated the challenges of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics—Marco’s narrative is still being written. Every stroke tells a story, a blend of past triumphs and uncertain currents ahead. With a whole ocean left to explore, one wonders how deep his journey will take him and what moments will surface next.