From Oceania to Europe: The Para Swimming World Series Makes a Splash
After an exhilarating start in Oceania, the Para Swimming World Series now dives into European waters for two action-packed meets.
The first stop brings the world’s top para swimmers to the scenic shores of Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy. Kicking off on Thursday, March 13, the competition takes place at Bella Italia Village—a venue that has become a staple in the Para swimming circuit since 2018.
By Sunday, March 16, the pool will have seen 295 athletes from 36 nations battling across dozens of multi-class events, each swimmer chasing personal bests, podium finishes, and a place in history. Fans worldwide can witness the action live through an official stream, as the best in the sport put their skills to the test.
Italy’s Pride: A Trio of Champions
Leading the charge for the host nation is a powerhouse trio of Paralympic champions—Simone Barlaam, Federico Morlacchi, and Alberto Amodeo.
More than just elite athletes, these three share a bond that goes beyond medals and records. Their connection has transformed into a brotherhood, one so unique that it even has its own Instagram page—an online space where they document their triumphs, behind-the-scenes moments, and the countless laughs they share outside the pool.
But how did this friendship become Le 3 Gambette, a name now synonymous with camaraderie, humor, and Italian charm?
The Birth of Le 3 Gambette
The year was 2021. The setting: Tokyo, Japan. The most extraordinary edition of the Paralympic Games had just come to an end, taking place in the shadow of a global pandemic. Airports were quiet, flights were masked, and the world was still adjusting to the new normal.
At Haneda Airport, as they waited for their flight home, Barlaam, Morlacchi, and Amodeo found themselves reflecting—not just on the medals they were bringing back to Italy but on the journey they had shared.
“We decided to create a fun page to celebrate our friendship and share some of the ridiculous moments we have together,” Morlacchi recalled with a grin.
And so, Le 3 Gambette was born.
For those unfamiliar with the term, gambette is an affectionate Italian word often used to describe small or delicate legs—an ironic nod from three world-class swimmers whose legs had powered them to Paralympic glory.
“The logo? Oh, that was pure genius,” Barlaam said, laughing. “We took inspiration from Le Tre Marie, a well-known Italian bakery brand. We thought it would be hilarious to swap the original figures with our faces.”
With that, Le 3 Gambette became more than just a joke—it became a symbol of their bond, a reminder that beyond competition, beyond records, what mattered most was friendship.
From Tokyo to Paris: The Journey of Champions
For Amodeo, Tokyo was more than just a competition—it was the stage where he won his first-ever Paralympic medal. Against all odds, he secured a silver in the men’s 400m freestyle S8.
“I wasn’t the favorite. I was the underdog. To stand on that podium, knowing that Fede—my mentor—and Simo—my best mate—were there to witness it, made it all the more special,” Amodeo shared.
His story didn’t end there. In the following Paralympic cycle, Amodeo defied expectations once again, claiming gold in the same event, adding another in the 100m butterfly S8, and a bronze in the 100m freestyle S8.
Morlacchi, the most seasoned of the trio, left Tokyo with a bronze medal in the 4x100m medley relay 34pts. But the moment that resonated with him the most? Watching Amodeo step onto that podium for the first time.
“We probably weren’t supposed to, but we ignored every COVID restriction just to storm the mixed zone and hug Albi,” Morlacchi confessed with a chuckle.
Barlaam, fresh from his own golden moment in the men’s 50m freestyle S9, felt the same way.
“That race—Albi’s silver—felt like the end of a really tough chapter for all of us,” he said. “It was the perfect reminder of why we do this, why we push through the hard times.”
A Brotherhood Beyond the Pool
Over the years, their friendship has remained a cornerstone of their lives—on the podium, in training, and in everyday moments that go unseen by the public.
“Training alongside your best friends is a privilege,” said Amodeo and Barlaam. “Fede now has a family, so we don’t get to see him as often. But that just makes the moments we share together even more special.”
Their Instagram page, Le 3 Gambette, is a digital scrapbook of their antics. Thousands of followers tune in to see their lighthearted moments—whether it's racing, traveling, or simply having fun.
“I love watching Fede and Albi play Cuphead,” Barlaam said. “That game drives them insane.”
“When we’re away at competitions or training camps, we play Fortnite together. It helps us unwind and keeps us connected,” Morlacchi added.
“Simo and I love DJing in our free time, but Fede absolutely hates our electronic music,” Amodeo admitted with a smirk. “He calls it ‘random noise.’ And honestly? He’s not wrong.”
As for their goals this year, Amodeo and Morlacchi answered in perfect unison:
“To finally beat Cuphead,” they said, before bursting into laughter.
Barlaam, attempting to steer the conversation back to swimming, added, “We’re training hard, pushing our limits, and making sure we enjoy every moment—inside and outside the pool.”
Because at the end of the day, for Le 3 Gambette, the journey has never been just about medals. It’s about friendship, memories, and the kind of bond that lasts long after the races are over.