Italian swimmer Sara Maria Rezia, 18, was crowned Miss Italy 2026 after winning the Liguria swimming title. Rezia becomes the first athlete with over 100 medals to add a beauty crown to her résumé.
Who is Sara Maria Rezia, the 18‑year‑old Italian swimmer, and what did she achieve on September 23, 2026 in Italy?
The Miss Italy organizing committee announced that Rezia was crowned "Miss Italy 2026" during a ceremony held at the San Marco Hall in Florence, after she won the Liguria beauty title in a final staged in Genoa.
Exceptional Sporting Record
Rezia is not only a runway model; she is a decorated swimmer who has amassed over one hundred medals across international and regional competitions, ranging from European Championships to the Mediterranean Games. Her haul includes gold medals in the 100 m freestyle, 200 m freestyle and relay events.
- 100 gold medals
- 45 silver medals
- 12 bronze medals
This makes her the first Italian athlete to combine elite sporting success with a national beauty crown.
Intersection of Sport and Beauty
The Miss Italy pageant aims to highlight role models who blend physical strength, cultural awareness and femininity. The public praised Rezia’s ability to deliver a top‑level swimming performance while exuding elegance on the stage.
Rezia is expected to represent Italy at the upcoming Miss World competition and will continue competing in international swimming meets, proving that sport and beauty can coexist.
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