15-year-old swimmer Joaquin Gonzalez Pinero is set to represent his home country of Argentina at this month’s Youth Olympic Games.
The UAE resident will join over 2000 athletes from over 150 countries in Buenos Aires for the Games which begin on October 5th.
He will compete in the 200m Individual Medley on October 7th and the 200m Butterfly on October 12th, as well as competing in relay events with his Argentinian teammates.
Joaquin, who attends JESS Ranches School in Dubai, said: “I am really looking forward to racing in my home country – it is an opportunity not many people will ever get.
“I would love to come away with personal best times as my training has been going really well and I feel prepared for the competition.”
He has been training in the UAE with Hamilton Aquatics for the past eight years, where he trains eight to ten times a week.
Over the past 18 months, Joaquin has emerged as a top Argentinian prospect; he has won numerous national titles and most recently achieved an A qualifying time for the Youth Olympic games, meaning he’ll be competing against swimmers more than two years older than him.
Ash Morris, Hamilton Aquatics director of performance, said: “Joaquin has trained exceptionally hard all summer in preparation for this event.
“He has earned his place at the prestigious games and will do his country and Hamilton Aquatics proud.
“For him to achieve this at the age of 15 is commendable for him and our swimming academy.”