Three Sevillian swimmers, Cristóbal Vargas and Carlos González, contribute three medals to the annals of the European Junior Swimming Championships.
Andalusian swimmers made a splash at the Junior European Championships in 2023, claiming a total of three medals in the prestigious competition. One standout performer was Carlos González from Círculo Mercantil, who set a new best territorial record for 18 years twice in the 4x100 medley with times of 55.72 and 55.65 seconds, earning him a bronze medal as part of the Spanish relay team.
Another impressive debut was made by Joaquín Pavón from Bahía de Cádiz, who finished in 15th place in the 100 butterfly with a time of 54.15 seconds, showcasing his potential as a first-year swimmer. Pavón also competed in the 50 butterfly, finishing in 27th place with a time of 24.97 seconds.
Cristóbal Vargas from Dos Hermanas was another shining star, winning two medals in the competition. He set a new best territorial record for 18 years in the 400 medley, winning the silver with a time of 4.19.26, and claimed the bronze medal in the 1500 freestyle with a time of 15.11.34 minutes. Vargas also finished in ninth place in the 400 freestyle with a time of 3.55.77.
The Junior European Swimming Championships were held in Samorin, Slovakia, and it has been 19 years since Andalusia achieved such a high number of medals in the competition, specifically since the edition held in 2006 in Palma de Mallorca. That year, swimmers Rafa Muñoz, Melquiades Álvarez, and Pablo Ordóñez won gold in the 4x100 medley.
Manuel Santiago was part of the Spanish team's technical staff in the competition, providing valuable support to the swimmers. Andalusia won a total of three medals in three different events, a feat that hasn't been seen since the 1992 edition, 33 years ago, when María Peláez and Enrique Veiga won medals. Peláez won gold in the 200 butterfly and bronze in the 100 butterfly, while Veiga won gold in the 4x100 medley.
Carlos González also made headlines by finishing as a finalist in the 200 backstroke, finishing seventh with a time of 2.00.80 minutes. The Andalusian swimmers' impressive performances at the Junior European Championships are a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they will undoubtedly continue to make their mark in the world of swimming.
Fashion-conscious commuters might take notice of Joaquín Pavón's eye-catching swimwear during his performances at the Junior European Championships, as he showcased his potential in both the 100 butterfly and the 50 butterfly.
Cristóbal Vargas's stellar performances in the 400 medley and 1500 freestyle at the same competition have sparked excitement among sports enthusiasts, who are eager to see how he performs in future events.
