Get ready for a major shake-up in the world of distance swimming! Italian swimming sensation Simona Quadarella is heading to Australia for a two-month training camp with the legendary Dean Boxall, one of the most successful coaches in the sport over the past decade. But here’s where it gets interesting: this move isn’t just about changing scenery—it’s a strategic play to reignite her motivation, refine her rhythm, and explore new technical challenges during the Italian winter. Her home base in Rome, under coach Gianluca Belfiore, will remain her primary training ground, but this Australian adventure is all about pushing boundaries.
The news broke during the Rai Sport broadcast of the European Short Course Swimming Championships in Lublin, Poland, where Quadarella qualified second in the 400m freestyle with a time of 4:00.25, just behind Germany’s Isabel Gose. Yet, the real headline wasn’t her performance in the pool—it was her upcoming training stint with Boxall’s elite group, known for producing some of the world’s best female freestylers. And this is the part most people miss: Quadarella initially considered training in the U.S. with Anthony Nesty at the University of Florida, where Katie Ledecky trains, but when that fell through, Boxall’s program became the next best thing.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Quadarella’s move to St. Peters Western in Brisbane comes on the heels of Ariarne Titmus’s retirement, one of her fiercest rivals. Is this a calculated step to fill the void left by Titmus, or simply a coincidence? Either way, Boxall’s group is no stranger to greatness. His roster has included modern freestyle icons like Lani Pallister, Mollie O’Callaghan, and Titmus herself, all of whom have dominated the global stage. Even Olympic medalists like Meg Harris, Mitch Larkin, and Elijah Winnington have benefited from his coaching at various points in their careers.
At 26, Quadarella is already a force to be reckoned with—an Olympic bronze medalist, World Champion, and European record holder in both the 800m and 1500m freestyle. Yet, despite her achievements, she’s not resting on her laurels. Her 2025 performances, including a new European record of 15:31.79 in the 1500m freestyle, show she’s hungry for more. But here’s the question: Can training with Boxall’s group elevate her to challenge the likes of Katie Ledecky, or is she already at her peak? Let us know what you think in the comments.
This training move also echoes a trend, as St. Peters Western previously welcomed Italian Olympians Thomas Ceccon and Alberto Razzetti earlier in 2025. Could this be the start of a new era for Italian swimming, or just a temporary shift? Only time will tell. Either way, Quadarella’s journey is one to watch—and it’s just getting started.
