Miami’s Chiara Pellacani set to make second Olympic Games appearance: “I’m very proud to represent my country and the University of Miami”

University of Miami junior diver Chiara Pellacani is set to compete in her second Olympic Games in Paris, with the opening ceremony set for July 26. After participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Pellacani who will be representing Italy this summer, is ready to make her return to the biggest stage sports has to offer.

“I’m very excited right now,” Pellacani told CaneSport. “We worked to get in the best shape possible, both mentally and physically. I’m very proud to be able to represent my country and the University of Miami.”

Ahead of the Olympics, Pellacani made the journey to from Miami to Berlin, Germany, where she has been training with the Italian swim and dive team in preparations for the Olympics. The Miami standout will be competing in the 3-meter individual and the 3-meter synchronized springboard event.

“We had time to really work on every single detail before the Olympics,” she says.

Although this past season Pellacani did not compete in any meets during the season, taking a redshirt year, the junior was still involved in everyday team activity under head diving coach Randy Ableman and assistant coach Dario di Fazio.

Before transferring to Miami, Pellacani spent the first two years of her career at LSU, where she captured four SEC medals (two silver, two bronze) and was named SEC Freshman Diver of the Year in 2021–2022.

Despite her success in Baton Rouge, Pellacani knew she always wanted to become a Hurricane and jumped at the opportunity to do so.

“Miami was my first choice from the beginning,” Pellacani said. “I didn’t have the chance to go my first year, so when I knew I had the chance to go, I did because they have such a great swimming program and an amazing team. I think Dario and Randy are the best swimming coaches in the country, so I really wanted to go there. I knew it was going to be really good for me and my diving career.”

After completing her first year in Miami, Pellacani is excited about the opportunity ahead this summer and is heading into the Olympic Games with an open mindset, ready to compete.

“I have my goals for the Olympic Games, but I just want to truly enjoy the experience and have fun competing with other athletes,” Pellacani said. “I’m just going to give my best and see what happens.”

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