Italian swimming star Benedetta Pilato, a world champion in the 50m breaststroke, has been suspended for 90 days alongside fellow swimmer Chiara Tarantino after being caught stealing cosmetics at Singapore’s Changi Airport.

According to an official statement from the Italian Swimming Federation (FIN), the suspension follows an internal investigation into the incident, which took place in August as the athletes were returning from the World Aquatics Championships. Pilato, 20, had earned a bronze medal in her signature event during the competition.

The federation noted that both swimmers fully cooperated during the inquiry and accepted responsibility for their actions. “Given the facts revealed by the investigation and the cooperation of the two athletes, who acknowledged their responsibilities, the prosecutor of the Italian swimming federation has decided to suspend them for 90 days from all activities starting today,” the FIN stated.

The disciplinary action will prevent Pilato and Tarantino, 23, from competing in the European Short Course Championships scheduled for December in Poland.

Reports from Singapore confirm that the two swimmers were detained by local authorities on August 14 after allegedly stealing two cosmetic products from a duty-free store at the airport. They were later released and permitted to return to Italy on August 20 following diplomatic intervention from Italian officials.

In a statement posted to her social media accounts, Pilato expressed regret over the situation, saying she had been “involved independently of [her] will” but had nonetheless learned valuable lessons. “From this experience, I draw great lessons on prudence, individual responsibility, and the value of the people around me,” she wrote.

Pilato rose to prominence in 2021 after claiming gold in the 50m breaststroke at the World Championships in Budapest. Her talent and youthful energy had made her one of Italy’s most promising athletes, with many expecting her to dominate in upcoming international competitions.

The suspension marks a rare disciplinary setback for the young swimmer, whose achievements had placed her among the rising stars of global aquatic sports. The Italian Swimming Federation emphasized that both athletes would be eligible to return to competition after serving their suspension period.