The 24-year-old conquered Italy’s first gold medal at the Paris Games.
“I fought for my life, it wasn’t the perfect competition but the competition of a lifetime,” he said.
The new champion met with president of the Italian National Olympic Committee Giovanni Malagò at Casa Italia on Monday.
“I was a little impressed when I learned that it was Italy’s first gold here in Paris - contributing to the cause of the country is always fundamental for me,” he shared.
The Italian swimmer on Sunday evening won in 59.03 seconds, with Britain’s Adam Peaty and American Nic Fink both clocking 59.05 to share second place.
Martinenghi won two bronze medals three years ago at the Tokyo Summer Olympics.
ANSA
