Swimming: Pellegrini philosophical about Olympic failures

(ANSA) - London, August 1 - A philosophical Federica Pellegrini said on Wednesday that she felt "fine" despite her disappointing showing at the London Olympics. The 23-year-old surrendered her 200 metres freestyle Olympic title when she came fifth in Tuesday's final, two days after coming outside the medals in the 400m too. Pellegrini, the world record holder and double world champion in both events, said Wednesday that she had received so many morale-boosting messages from Italian fans that she was not traumatized by the Olympic swimming losses. "I'm fine, no trauma," said Pellegrini, whose boyfriend Filippo Magnini, lashed out at Italy's coaching staff Tuesday after he lost in competition. "There will be time to make the right analysis,", added Pellegrini, who acknowledged the entire Italian swimming team has struggled at these Olympic games. Over the next year, Italy's entire team, athletes, coaches and managers, will have to carefully assess what went wrong, said Pellegrini, who plans to take a year off from competition. Meanwhile, her former coach Philippe Lucas said he found her defeats "hard to digest." "She remains a great champion," he added, while casting doubts on her ability to return as a world beater if she takes a sabbatical. As for the future, Pellegrini has not ruled out working in television during her year-out from competition. "A reality show? If I enjoyed it, why not?" she said. "I want to do everything that I enjoy next year".