For Italian lifesaver Lucrezia Fabretti, selection for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 is a proud milestone, representing years of training, sacrifice and dedication to the sport.
Having first discovered lifesaving through competitive swimming, Fabretti has developed a passion for the sport’s combination of speed, technique and practical rescue skills. Set to represent Italy across her qualified events, she is particularly looking forward to the pool events and team relays, where she can share the experience with her teammates.
We caught up with Lucrezia to find out more about her lifesaving journey, preparation and ambitions for LWC2026.
What does being selected for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 mean to you personally?
Being selected for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 is a huge honour for me. It represents the result of many years of training, sacrifices and experiences in the sport.
Wearing the Italian colours at a World Championship is something I am extremely proud of, and I want to enjoy every moment of this experience while giving my absolute best.
Can you share a bit about your background in lifesaving and how you first got involved in the sport?
I started swimming when I was very young, and swimming has always been a big part of my life. I discovered lifesaving through competitive swimming and gradually became more involved in the sport.
What attracted me was the combination of swimming ability, speed, technique and practical rescue skills. Over time, I fell in love with the competitive side of lifesaving and decided to dedicate myself to it more seriously.
Who has had the biggest influence on your lifesaving career, and in what way?
My coaches and my family have had the biggest influence on my career. My coaches have helped me develop not only as an athlete, but also technically and mentally, always pushing me to improve and believe in myself.
My family has supported me throughout the difficult moments and the sacrifices that come with competitive sport. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Can you give us an insight into your preparation or training leading into Worlds? What does a typical week look like for you?
Preparation for the World Championships has been very demanding, but also very exciting. A typical week includes several swimming sessions, with a strong focus on speed, endurance, technique and race-specific work.
We also work on lifesaving skills and events such as rescue techniques, which require precision and concentration. Depending on the phase of training, we also include strength and conditioning sessions.
The goal is to arrive at the Championships feeling physically prepared, but also confident and mentally ready to compete at the highest level.
Which events will you be competing in, and what are you most looking forward to?
I will be competing in the events for which I have qualified as part of the Italian team.
I am particularly looking forward to the pool events and to the team relays, because competing alongside your teammates creates a completely different kind of energy and motivation. Representing Italy together is something very special.
What are your expectations for the competition?
My main expectation is to give everything I have and to perform as close as possible to my potential. Of course, I want to achieve good results, but I also want to gain experience from competing against the best athletes in the world.
I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself with specific results. I want to focus on each race, enjoy the experience and leave the pool knowing that I gave my best.
What’s one thing you’d like people to know about you, either as an athlete or outside the sport?
I think one thing people should know about me is that I am very determined. When I set myself a goal, I work hard for it, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
Outside of sport, I am quite a simple person and I enjoy spending time with the people I care about. For me, lifesaving is not just about competitions and medals, it has taught me discipline, teamwork, resilience and the importance of always trying to improve.
The 2026 Lifesaving World Championships begin in Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay on 25 November 2026.