Noè Ponti: “I Feel a Powerful Hunger for Victory”

Noè Ponti, the fastest swimmer in the world in the 50-meter (21.32 seconds) and 100-meter (47.71 seconds) butterfly in short course (25-meter pool), has been soaring since December. Following his fourth and fifth place finishes at the Paris Olympics—an ordeal he describes as extremely difficult—the swimmer from Tenero, in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, experienced weeks of doubt, away from the pool. This break proved beneficial, as three months later, he made a spectacular comeback, reaching the pinnacle of his discipline. He now feels the hunger for victory that he previously lacked, though he maintains a lighthearted approach. Having discovered the joy of swimming like a dolphin at just three years old, he still enjoys joking whenever the opportunity arises. In an interview with Luxury Tribune, he shares the reasons behind these profound changes.

How do you explain your exceptional victories at the recent World Championships in Budapest in short course?

The formula remains the same: a lot of work, sacrifices, unwavering self-belief, and the ability to bounce back after losing. That last point is crucial and perhaps one of my strengths, as things haven’t always gone smoothly—I’ve had my share of ups and downs. Mental strength is the driving force behind everything.

Passion, hard work, and determination have been part of your life since you discovered swimming at three years old. Yet, these victories are happening now. Did you change anything in particular?

Yes, absolutely. You’re right—the passion has always been there, and the training has never stopped. But I believe my fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics played a key role in my recent victories. It ignited a deeper drive in me, a desire for redemption, greater clarity, and a powerful hunger for victory. That might be what was missing in Paris.

The Paris Olympics was undoubtedly a turning point in how the public and media perceived swimming. There was great excitement around the pools, thanks in part to your French colleague, Léon Marchand’s performances. What are your thoughts on that?

Yes, that’s true. Swimming gained a lot of visibility, certainly more than before, largely because Léon was competing at home in France and was one of the big favorites. Things didn’t go as we had hoped for me, with my fourth and fifth-place finishes. Still, it was an incredible experience. Competing in such an electrifying atmosphere, with such an enthusiastic crowd, is unforgettable. I learned a lot.

What did you learn?

That I can only control what concerns me, which means my skills. Everything else, I must leave outside of myself. It’s easy to say but harder to do. Experience helps in this regard.

From your three victories in Budapest, what did you learn?

I learned that I am strong! That I can handle pressure, even though the pressure at the World Championships is nothing compared to the Olympics, which are unmatched in every way. In Budapest, I was the favorite in the 50-meter and 100-meter butterfly events, so failure would have been even more painful. The pressure was intense. That was something I had struggled with before. In Paris, I wasn’t able to manage all the parameters, all my energy—some of it was wasted on things other than the races. But in Budapest, I was 100% focused, and I delivered. That was a huge turning point; it made me realize I can handle expectations.

What changed to make that possible?

I still train the same way, just as hard as before. My coaches are the same. I think the change lies in a certain mental maturity. My goal is to bring that same confidence to long-course (50-meter) swimming. I know it’s possible. Underwater, I am one of the strongest.

How did it feel to break your idol Caeleb Dressel’s 100-meter butterfly record? Was that your goal?

The 100-meter butterfly in Budapest was my best race—the one that gave me the most emotions. Caeleb has always been one of my idols; I used to watch him on TV when I was a kid. He is a magician of speed who inspires me. I met him in Paris. We spoke a few times—he is a special person.

Among your 23 medals, which one is the most emotional, and which marked a turning point in your career?

The most memorable isn’t a gold medal—it’s my bronze medal at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics because nothing surpasses standing on an Olympic podium. That medal launched my career and introduced me to the world of elite swimmers. It’s every athlete’s dream. The ones that marked a turning point were my victories in the 50-meter and 100-meter butterfly in Budapest. The 50-meter win was something I wanted because I had already broken three world records in that event. The 100-meter victory proved that I wasn’t just excelling in one discipline. Even after two gold medals and immense pressure, I managed to secure a third.

Have these successes changed your relationships with your competitors or the media?

No, I remain the same. However, others’ perception of me has changed—perhaps my rivals fear me a little more. I also notice that my popularity among fans is growing, at least in Switzerland. But I’m still at the beginning of my journey—there’s a long way to go before I truly become a top-tier athlete.

You are also known for your personality, joy for life, and love of making people laugh. Has this new mental maturity and these victories led to greater introspection?

I think I will always be the same. It’s in my nature to have fun and be around people—I love joking around. I know that when I’m more relaxed and enjoying myself, I perform better in competitions.

Have these victories changed your relationship with sponsors?

Swimming isn’t Switzerland’s number one sport, but it’s gaining more attention, and I’m gradually getting more visibility. All my sponsors have supported me for a long time.

You are an ambassador for Omega, a brand that supports great champions. What’s your relationship with the brand?

Omega represents excellence in watchmaking. I’ve always loved their watches, even before becoming part of the Omega family, as they are the official timekeepers of the Olympics and major competitions. They play a big role in the sports world. We’ve been partnered for three years now. Omega has supported me in my victorious moments as well as my struggles. That’s what makes the Omega family spirit so meaningful. I’m friends with some of the other athletes, like Thomas Ceccon (Italian swimmer, gold medalist in the 100-meter backstroke at the Paris Olympics), and it’s an honor to represent Omega worldwide.

Among Omega’s athletes is Michael Phelps. What does he mean to you?

Michael Phelps is a huge idol—my favorite athlete and swimmer since I was six. I had the chance to meet him at the Omega Night in Paris, and it was surreal. I still look at him with the eyes of a child.

In 2020, you went to the U.S. to combine training and studies, as many athletes do. But you returned after a month. Why?

Yes, I went in 2020, in the middle of Covid, just two weeks after my medal. I wanted to try it. When I arrived, I loved it—it was beautiful, very different, with a lively campus atmosphere. But after a few weeks, I realized it wasn’t what I was looking for. What I need is in Switzerland—family, friends, coaches, my team. Changing what works made no sense.

What about your studies?

I’ve tried different paths, even a year of physiotherapy. It’s important for me to do something. In September, I’ll start a new Bachelor’s in Leisure Management at SUPSI in Ticino.

What’s your next major event?

The World Championships in Singapore in long course—the only medal I’m missing. I’m training intensely to succeed there.