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Pellegrini is Italy's most popular female athlete and under constant scrutiny from both mainstream and gossip media. Her manager denied repeated interview requests from The Associated Press.
"She's someone who wants the best out of herself, and she also wants the best out of the people around her," Magnini said.
Rosetto has had to adapt to Pellegrini's special needs, starting with the longer distances she races compared to his other swimmers.
"I've got to spend more hours at the pool now," he said with a smile. "Federica trains well. She doesn't lack motivation. But the field of opponents is larger now. Federica has been at the top for nearly eight years. She won silver in Athens and she's always been there, been on the podium. It's difficult for her to improve on what she's already done."
As a 16-year-old, Pellegrini won a silver medal in the 200 at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Four years later, she won gold in the 200 but settled for fifth in the 400 despite entering as the world-record holder.
While she's unbeaten in the 200 at major events for four years, Pellegrini often has trouble with the 400. She cited a lack of energy in Debrecen, but has also struggled with her nerves in the longer race at times.
"The problem is that the 200 comes more naturally for her," Rosetto said. "She needs to build the 400 more."
However, Pellegrini will also face stiff competition in the 200 in London from American rivals Allison Schmitt and Missy Franklin, plus French standout Camille Muffat.
Schmitt and Muffat are 1-2 in the world rankings this year. In the 400, Rebecca Adlington of Britain will be attempting to defend her title before her home crowd, and Muffat and Schmitt will also be tough to beat.
If Pellegrini is worried, she isn't letting on -- even to Magnini.
"We never talk about swimming," he said. "We talk about everything else."
[Associated
Press;
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