Rome, 29 August (LaPresse) – ‘I would like to share some thoughts on what has recently emerged about me. During my return from Asia, following my participation in the World Championships and a short private stay with my teammates from the national swimming team, I was indirectly involved in an unpleasant incident handled by the Singapore airport authorities.’ This is how Italian swimmer Benedetta Pilato begins her long post, clarifying the incident that involved her and her national teammate Chiara Tarantino in Singapore. "In what should have been days of rest and mental relaxation, I instead went through some particularly difficult moments far from home, which fortunately turned out to be beyond my control, but which deeply affected me on a personal level. I would like to point out that I cooperated with the local authorities from the outset, with the full support of the Italian Embassy. Fortunately, the matter was resolved in a few hours, without any implications, thanks also to my complete transparency with the Singapore airport authorities,‘ Pilato continued, emphasising, ’I never had any intention of acting inappropriately, and those who know me know how much I care about the values of sport, fairness and personal honesty. However, I have learned a great deal from this experience about prudence, individual responsibility and the value of the people around me. Now I can return to focusing on my sporting career with peace of mind and greater determination. I am deeply grateful to those who have supported me discreetly, without making gratuitous judgements, and who continue to believe in me."
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