The swimmers stopped for theft in Singapore, Benedetta Pilato: “From this experience I draw great teachings on prudence, individual responsibility and on the value of the people around me”

The news arrives in the early afternoon in Italy, but the facts should go back to a few days ago, at the time of the return of Benedetta Pilato and Chiara Tarantinoblue swimmers who, with colleagues Anita Bottazzo and Sofia Morini, were on vacation in Bali after the conclusion of the swimming World Cup in Singapore. At Singapore airport, the two Italian athletes were stopped for theft. According to the first reconstructions, based on the videos of the cameras, Chiara Tarantino would have slipped inside the Blessed Pilate of the objects he had stolen.

Both was removed on passport And they were questioned to respond to the accusation of theft. The Italian Embassy of Singapore has been alerted and the president of the Federnuoto, Paolo Barelli, was informed. The story would have closed with the intervention of the Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani. Anita Bottazzo and Sofia Morini have also been questioned and searched.

The press release of the Federnuoto

«Regarding the news released in the press concerning Benedetta Pilate and Chiara Tarantino, the Italian Swimming Federation He underlines that the episode ascribed to them took place outside federal activities during a holiday period. The facts were clarified by the athletes with the local authorities with the support of the Italian Embassy, ​​already in contact with the Federation in relation to the world championships of the aquatic disciplines carried out in Singapore from 11 July to 3 August. By stigmatizing the incident, the Federnuoto reserves the right to carefully evaluate the story ».

The words of Benedetta Pilato

Chiara Tarantino’s social networks are no longer active, born in 2003, Leccese who for years has shuttled with Bari for swimming and is part of the 4×100 female freestyle. Benedetta Pilate, born in 2005, bronze in the 50 frogs at the Singapore World Cup, instead explained its position in a post. «I wish to share some considerations regarding what has recently emerged on my person. During my return from Asia, following the participation in the world championships and a short private stay with my other companions of the National Swimming, Despite me, I was indirectly involved in an unpleasant episode managed by the Aeroportual Authorities of Singapore. In days that should have been mainly rest and mental relaxation, I instead crossed, far from home, particularly difficult moments, which fortunately were found to be independent of my will, but which deeply marked me on a human level. I want to clarify that I immediately collaborated with the local authorities, with the full support of the Italian Embassy. Fortunately, the story ended in a few hours, without any implication, thanks also to my maximum transparency towards the Singapore airport authority themselves. I have never intended to make inadequate gestures, and those who know me know how much I care about the values ​​of sport, correctness and personal honesty. From this experience, however, I draw great teachings on prudence, individual responsibility and on the value of the people around me. Now I go back again to concentrate with serenity and greater determination on my sporting path. I deeply thank those who supported me discreet, without free judgments, and those who continue to believe in me ».