Background
Her mother Romana Calligaris and elder brother Mauro Calligaris were also Olympics swimmers.
Her mother Romana Calligaris and elder brother Mauro Calligaris were also Olympics swimmers.
Aged 13 Calligaris competed at the 1968 Olympics in the 200 m, 400 m and 800 m freestyle, but was elminated in the heats of all events. At 14, she set her first European record. The following year, the first FINA World Championships took place in Belgrade.
On 9 September 1973, Novella swam 8:52.97 in the 800 m freestyle event, setting a new world record and winning a gold medal.
In the same competition she also finished third in the 400 m freestyle and 400 m individual medley. In retirement she coached swimming, and in the 1980s worked with the junior national team in Rome.
In 1986 she was inducted to the International Swimming Hall of Fame.