Italian diver Matteo Santoro recently achieved a significant milestone, securing a gold medal at the prestigious Singapore 2025 World Aquatics Championships, a triumph made even more special by the public celebration from his boyfriend, fellow elite athlete Max Liñan.
Santoro, competing alongside Chiara Pellacani in the Mixed 3m synchronised event, delivered a stellar performance that culminated in Italy’s historic first-place finish. Their remarkable execution surpassed formidable competitors, including the Australian duo Cassiel Rousseau and Maddison Keeney, and China’s Cheng Zilong and Li Yajie, at the OCBC Aquatic Centre.
Beyond the professional accolade, the gold medal celebration garnered significant attention due to the heartfelt public acknowledgment from Max Liñan. The Spanish elite diver expressed his immense pride and joy via an Instagram story, tagging Santoro and Pellacani with celebratory gold medal emojis, underscoring the personal connection amidst the high-stakes competition.
Santoro, 19, and Liñan, 18, had recently marked their one-year anniversary with a tender Instagram post on July 18. The post, simply captioned ‘1 añito’ alongside a heart emoji, featured five endearing snapshots chronicling their relationship, offering a glimpse into the personal lives of these young, prominent sports figures.
Liñan himself is a notable competitor at the World Championships, representing Spain. His performance included a 23rd-place finish out of 59 in the 1m springboard event and a 14th-place ranking with Juan Cortes in the men’s 3m synchro. Both athletes demonstrate exceptional talent within the competitive world of diving.
Intriguingly, both Santoro and Liñan are slated to compete against each other in the upcoming 3m springboard event, setting the stage for a compelling display of skill and sportsmanship between the couple. This head-to-head contest adds another layer of excitement for diving enthusiasts following the championships.
Following his monumental victory, Santoro conveyed his elation, stating, “I’m so happy. With Chiara, I can remain calm. I did breathing exercises, distracting myself. Tomorrow I have the 3-meter individual. I’m celebrating, but I’ll have to reset immediately.” His words highlight the intense focus and mental fortitude required at this elite level.
While Santoro’s gold marks a significant achievement for Italy in his specific event, it is important to note that he is not the first openly gay diver to secure a gold medal at the World Championships, reinforcing the growing visibility and success of LGBTQ+ athletes in elite sports.
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