About Izabella Chiappini

Izabella Chiappini is a Brazilian-Italian water polo player known for her international career across Brazil, Italy, France, and the United States. She grew up in a true water polo family, was coached by her father, competed at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and later switched to compete for the Italian national team. Her journey spans several top European clubs and includes a major comeback after injury.

Career Highlights & Stations Brazil National Team – Junior & Senior teams, Olympic Games 2016 Arizona State University (USA) – NCAA Division I Italy (National Team) – Competed after switching nationality

Clubs: Brazil: Esporte Clube Pinheiros Italy: Messina, Plebiscito Padova, SIS Roma France: ULITIS (Lille)

Key Topics in This Episode

• Growing up in a water polo family
• Training under her father: tough love & lasting impact
• Structural problems in Brazilian women’s water polo
• Emotional experience at the Rio Olympics
• Switching to Italy & chasing a medal
• Injury struggles and rebuilding confidence
• Professional career across Europe

Useful Links Clubs

• SIS Roma (Italy) – https://www.sisroma.com
• Plebiscito Padova – https://www.padovanuoto.it
• Esporte Clube Pinheiros (Brazil) – https://www.ecp.org.br
• Lille / U.S. Métropole (France) – https://www.lmwp.fr
• Federations & Associations
• Italian Swimming Federation (FIN) – https://www.federnuoto.it
• Brazilian Aquatic Sports Confederation (CBDA) – https://www.cbda.org.br
• Ligue Européenne de Natation (LEN) – https://www.len.eu
• World Aquatics – https://www.worldaquatics.com

Additional

Arizona State University Water Polo – https://thesundevils.com/sports/water-polo