Alessandra Mao, 14, amazes everyone in the 200 style. The suggestion is strong: is a new Federica Pellegrini born? It's hard to say now, but what is certain is that Alessandra Mao, just turned 14, has burned through the ranks faster than the “Divine”. Her first Italian title in the 200 freestyle came at 14 years and one month, beating the 14 years and 7 months with which Pellegrini won her first tricolor in 2003. Only another Venetian, Novella Calligaris, was earlier, becoming champion at 13. Yesterday in Riccione, the baby talent of Team Veneto achieved a textbook chronometric feat: 1'58“86, starting from a personal best of 2'03”0 obtained only a year ago. An extraordinary progress that projects her to 14th place all-time among Italians, leaving behind opponents such as Simona Quadarella (who remained off the podium). On the podium with her were Biagiotti (1'59“12) and Mascolo (1'59”13). With this chrono she has already earned a place in the 4x200 freestyle at the World Championships, touching the individual qualifying time limit (1'57"3). "I had left with the goal of the junior European Championships, but in the final I gave everything. I am happy, but for me nothing changes: I will keep working. I have no idols, but if I had to choose, I would say Sarah Sjöström," she said with surprising maturity.