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Jonathan Gómez (swimmer)

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Colombian swimmer and advocate (born 1996)

Jonathan Gómez
Personal information
Full nameJonathan David Gómez Noriega
Nationality Colombia
Born (1996-04-19) 19 April 1996 (age 28)
Cali, Colombia
Height181 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Weight81 kg (179 lb)
Sport
SportSwimming
Strokes
College teamSouthern Methodist University, Columbia University in the City of New York
Medal record
Representing  Colombia
Men's swimming
Event 1st 2nd 3rd
Pan American Games 0 0 1
CAC Games 1 0 0
South American Championships 1 0 1
Bolivarian Games 2 2 0
Total 4 2 2
Pan American Games
Bronze medal – third place 2019 Lima 200 m butterfly
Central American and Caribbean Games
Gold medal – first place 2018 Barranquilla 200 m butterfly
South American Championships
Gold medal – first place 2018 Trujillo 200 m butterfly
Bronze medal – third place 2018 Trujillo 4×200 m freestyle
Bolivarian Games
Gold medal – first place 2017 Santa Marta 200 m butterfly
Gold medal – first place 2017 Santa Marta 400 m medley
Silver medal – second place 2017 Santa Marta 200 m medley
Silver medal – second place 2017 Santa Marta 4×200 m freestyle

Jonathan Gómez (born 19 April 1996) is a Colombian-American former swimmer humanitarian advocate, and philanthropist that competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics.Gómez's athletic achievements include sweeping gold medals in the 200-meter butterfly at the Bolivarian Games, South American Championships, and Central American Games. He secured a bronze medal in the same event at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, further solidifying his place as one of Colombia's most decorated swimmers. Recognized as the best swimmer in the recent history of Colombian swimming, Gómez earned the 2020 Athlete of the Year Award from El Espectador, which honors individuals whose contributions go beyond sport, making a significant social impact.

Early Life and Education

Gómez started swimming at the age of five as a way to manage his asthma. Later on, his family moved from Colombia to the United States, where he continued to develop his swimming career. Gómez attended Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, majoring in Economics. During his time at SMU, he set school records in the 500-yard freestyle, 400-yard individual medley, and 200-yard butterfly, establishing himself as one of the top swimmers in collegiate athletics.

After his undergraduate studies, Gómez attended Columbia University in New York City, earning a Master's in Public Administration. He was selected as an inaugural Student Scholar at the Institute of Global Politics, founded by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, where he furthered his expertise in global affairs and leadership.

Swimming Career

  • 2013 World Junior Championships - Dubai United Arab Emirates 14th place - 200 meter butterfly
  • 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing-China placed 8th in the world
  • 2014 Speedo Sectional Championships Winner - Orlando, Buffalo & College Station)
  • 2015 Arena Pro Swim Series Champion in the 200 meter butterfly
  • 2016 Caribbean Island Swimming Championships in the Bahamas - Champion 200 meter butterfly
  • 2016 Short Course World Championships in Canada
  • 2017 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary placed 14th in the world
  • 2017 World Cup - Moscow, Russia - placed 6th
  • 2017 World Cup - Berlin, Germany - placed 4th
  • 2017 World Cup - Netherlands - placed 5th
  • 2017 Bolivarian Games Champion - 200 meter butterfly & 400 IM
  • 2017 South American Championships Champion 200 meter butterfly
  • 2018 Central American Games - Champion 200 meter butterfly
  • 2019 Pan American Games Bronze Medalist - 200 meter butterfly

Known for his versatility, Gómez also competed in the 400-meter individual medley and long-distance freestyle events, adding depth to his career. His dedication to excellence earned him recognition as the leading figure in Colombian swimming.

Humanitarian Advocacy and Philanthropy

Beyond the pool, Gómez has become a prominent advocate for humanitarian rights and social justice. In 2016, he founded the Flor de Mayo Foundation, which focuses on creating opportunities for underserved communities, particularly in Colombia. One of its most notable initiatives, the ‘Creer es Crear’ campaign, provided hundreds of bicycles to children in Guapi, Cauca, one of Colombia’s poorest regions. The campaign, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, united some of Colombia’s most respected athletes and raised funds nationwide to give children the chance to "pedal for their dreams."

Gómez’s efforts have been celebrated for their impact on thousands of lives, with his work extending beyond sports to inspire change and foster hope in vulnerable communities.

Legacy and Recognition

Jonathan Gómez is widely regarded as a trailblazer in Colombian swimming and a role model for his contributions to both sports and society. His legacy extends far beyond his athletic achievements, encompassing advocacy, philanthropy, and public service.

He resides in Jersey City, New Jersey, and has expressed interest in pursuing public office, either in Colombia or the United States, as part of his ongoing commitment to social change.

References

  1. "Jonathan Gómez". Rio 2016. Archived from the original on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  2. "Rio 2016 200m butterfly men - Olympic Swimming". International Olympic Committee. 23 June 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  3. "Jonathan Gómez: el nadador que sueña con ser presidente de Colombia". Liga de Natación de Bogotá (in Spanish). Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  4. "(Audio) Esta es una prueba que llevo practicando toda mi vida y espero llevarme el oro: Jonathan Gómez Noriega | ColombiaSports.net - Noticias de Deporte en Colombia". 7 August 2019. Archived from the original on 7 August 2019. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  5. "Former St. Peter's Prep swimmer to compete in Summer Youth Olympics". NJ.com. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  6. "Former St. Peter's Prep swimmer to compete in Summer Youth Olympics". NJ.com. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  7. Cali, Casa Editorial El País. "Nadador caleño Jonathan Gómez le dio un oro a Colombia en Charlotte". elpais.com.co (in Spanish). Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  8. "Bayonne's Jonathan Gomez will swim for Colombia at Summer Olympics". NJ.com. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  9. "Sjostrom's World Record Highlights First Day of FINA World Cup Moscow". Swimming World News. 2 August 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  10. "Kromowidjojo, Hosszu Eclipse World Records on Day 2 of 2017 FINA World Cup Berlin - Swimming World News". Swimming World News. 7 August 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  11. "Sarah Sjostrom's World Record Highlights Day 1 Finals of Eindhoven World Cup - Swimming World News". Swimming World News. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  12. "Jonathan Gómez, la nueva sensación de Colombia en natación" (in Spanish). Retrieved 16 March 2018.

External links

Central American and Caribbean Games Champions in Men's 200 m butterfly
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