The Summer Games in Paris got off to the worst possible start for the Swiss swimming delegation. On Tuesday, Noè Ponti will have the opportunity to get the team back on the right track.
"My goal is to reach two finals here - over 200 m and also over 100 m dolphin," emphasized Ponti at a media meeting in the run-up to the Games. The heats for the 200 m dolphin will take place on Tuesday, those for the half distance on Friday.
Three years ago in Tokyo, the 20-year-old from Ticino swam to a surprising bronze in the 100 m dolphin. "My strongest discipline so far is of course the 100 m dolphin, but I have the means to do something in Paris in the 200 m as well," assures Ponti, who is number 2 in the 100 m (50.16 seconds) and number 8 in the 200 m (1:54.59 minutes) this season.
Anything is possible in the final
His views have not changed over the years, despite (or thanks to?) his experience: "We all know that it is often most difficult to get through the semi-finals. Only then can you allow yourself to think about the final," says Ponti. "If I qualify for the final, anything is possible."
Due to a stomach flu, Ponti had to withdraw from the European Championships in Belgrade a month ago as the fastest athlete in the preliminary heat in his main discipline. Despite the setback, the 2022 European Championship silver medallist quickly regained his form: "I felt really bad that day. I had zero energy and threw up a lot," he says.
"It wasn't a great weekend, but the last few weeks have been very good for me," said the 23-year-old, who hopes that he will be able to deliver top performances in the Défense Arena in Paris after lowering his national record in the 100 m dolphin to 50.16 seconds at the Swiss Championships in Uster in April. "I was in good shape and mentally calm. We've been working hard, so I should be faster here," he says confidently.
Clear message
Ponti emphasizes that he was "not in top form" when he set his Swiss record. "I can do better, I was maybe at 70 percent of my potential. I hope to reach 100 percent here." And yet: "It's the Olympic Games, so the pressure will inevitably be much greater."
He believes he can make a big leap in performance, especially in the 200 m. "I think I can beat my best time by a few seconds." He doesn't want to leave anything to chance. Ponti will tackle the Games completely shaven. He hasn't shaved his arms since the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka.
