Joaquín Fernández (swimmer) facts for kids
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Born | 22 January 1971 | (age 54)
Joaquín Fernández Corredor was born on January 22, 1971, in Mataró, Catalonia, Spain. He is a former professional swimmer who specialized in two exciting swimming styles: the medley and the breaststroke. Joaquín was a very talented athlete who represented his home country, Spain, in three Olympic Games in a row!
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Joaquín's Swimming Journey
Joaquín Fernández Corredor is known for his skill in both medley and breaststroke swimming. A medley race is super cool because swimmers use all four main strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. The breaststroke is a unique style where swimmers push forward with a frog-like kick and a powerful arm pull.
Early Career and Olympic Dreams
Joaquín started his Olympic journey in 1988. He competed for Spain at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. The Olympics are the biggest sports event in the world, where athletes from many countries come together to compete. It's a huge honor to represent your country there!
Competing on the World Stage
Joaquín didn't just stop at one Olympics. He continued to train hard and compete at the highest level. He went on to swim in the 1992 Summer Olympics and the 1996 Summer Olympics. This means he competed in three Olympic Games in a row, which is a fantastic achievement for any athlete!
World Championship Success
Besides the Olympics, Joaquín also competed in other major swimming events. One of his biggest successes came at the FINA World Aquatics Championships. These championships bring together the best swimmers from around the globe.
Earning a Silver Medal
In 1993, Joaquín won a silver medal at the World Championships (Short Course) held in Palma. He was part of the 4x100m Medley relay team. A relay race is where four swimmers each swim a part of the race. In a medley relay, each swimmer does a different stroke. Winning a silver medal at a World Championship is a huge accomplishment and shows how skilled Joaquín was.
Mediterranean Games Achievements
Joaquín also found success at the Mediterranean Games. These games are a multi-sport event held every four years, featuring countries around the Mediterranean Sea. He earned both silver and bronze medals in swimming at these games, including the 1991 Mediterranean Games. This further highlights his consistent performance and talent in the pool.
A Legacy in Spanish Swimming
Joaquín Fernández Corredor's career shows what dedication and hard work can achieve in sports. Competing in three Olympic Games and winning medals at World Championships and Mediterranean Games makes him a notable figure in Spanish swimming history. His journey inspires young swimmers to chase their dreams and work towards becoming top athletes.